Colombia's President Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.

A Strained Alliance

This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

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

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.