Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Threats and Claims

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Answer

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.