Colombia's President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.

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

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.