Colombia's President Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.