Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Defiant Answer

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.