Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.