Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.

A Strained Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.