Colombian President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Rebuttal

When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.