Colombian Leader Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric and Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.

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

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

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

Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.