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

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats coupled with Claims

Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Response

In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.