Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Answer

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.