Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Threats coupled with Accusations

Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.