Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Invades.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.