Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.