Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.