Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Growing Threats and Claims

Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

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

Increased Security and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.