Colombian President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if American Forces Invades.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Response

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.