Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Strained Relationship

The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.