Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should US Invades.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.

Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.