Colombian Leader Warns 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.

A Strained Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.

The President's Defiant Answer

In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.