Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' if US Launches an Attack.

President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats and Accusations

Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Response

In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.