Colombian President Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Invades.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions and Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.