Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats coupled with Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Response

When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.