Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Response

In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," 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 to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.