Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

The President's Strong Response

Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.