Colombian Leader Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should US Invades.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Response

In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.