Colombia's President Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats and Accusations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.

A Strained Alliance

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Response

In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and various key allies.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.