Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should United States Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

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

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

The US revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.