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

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

While 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 connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians 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 with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.

Political and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.