Colombia's President Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.