Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if US Invades.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Defiant Response

When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.