Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Launches an Attack.

The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Growing Threats coupled with Accusations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

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

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.