Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.