Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Rising Threats and Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

The President's Defiant Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.