Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Response

In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.