Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should United States Invades.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric and Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.