Colombian Leader Warns 'I Would Return to Arms Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric and Claims

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Strained Alliance

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.