Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Response

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.