Colombia's President Says 'I Would Return to Arms Again' if American Forces Invades.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Response

In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.