Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should US Launches an Attack.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric and Claims

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Answer

When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.