Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if US Launches an Attack.

The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Firm Response

In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as 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 weapons once more," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.