Colombian Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' if US Launches an Attack.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Rising Threats and Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 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 in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.