Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.