Colombian President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.

A Strained Partnership

The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.