Colombian Leader Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' if United States Invades.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats coupled with Claims

Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Firm Response

When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.