Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various key allies.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.