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

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Relationship

The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.