Colombian President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Answer

When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.

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

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.