Colombian President Says 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.