Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should US Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Threats and Accusations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.