Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats coupled with Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation 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, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.

Increased Security and Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.