Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Return to Arms Again' if United States Invades.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.