Colombia's President Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating 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 pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.