Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Response

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several associates.

At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.