Colombian Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Answer

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.