Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should United States Invades.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations

Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Response

In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.