Colombian President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Invades.

The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats and Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly after Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Response

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.