Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Answer

When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.