Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if US Invades.

The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Rising Threats and Accusations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Political and Financial Sanctions

The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.