Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Response

When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.