Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.