Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Response

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.