Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.