Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' if US Invades.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Threats and Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.