Colombian Leader Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Claims

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Strained Relationship

The country was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Response

When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

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

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Strains

American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.