Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.