Colombian President Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

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

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.