Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should United States Invades.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.

Political and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.