Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Threats and Allegations

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.