Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Rising Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."

While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite 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 pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.

At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.