Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.