Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Answer

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.