Colombian President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.