Colombia's President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Answer

When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.