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

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Answer

When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation

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

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Sanctions

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.