Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Growing Rhetoric and Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual 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, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.