Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "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 and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.