Colombian President Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.