Colombia's President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if US Invades.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.