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

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Partnership

The country has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Rebuttal

When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to President

He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.

Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.