Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.