Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Invades.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Rising Threats and Allegations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.