Colombian President Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.

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

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.

Increased Security and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.