Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats and Claims

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.