Colombia's President Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if US Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

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

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.

Political and Economic Sanctions

The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.