Colombian President Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.