Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.