Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if American Forces Invades.

The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Rhetoric and Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.