Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Growing Rhetoric and Accusations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.