Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

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

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.