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

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.