Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats and Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.

A Strained Partnership

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.