Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Invades.

The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric and Claims

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Response

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various key allies.

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