Colombian President Says 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.