Colombia's Leader Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Invades.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.