Colombian Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric and Accusations

Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.