The U.S. plans to allocate $1 billion to Colombia for a security package

Washington.- The United States Department of State announced this Friday that it plans to allocate 1 billion dollars to Colombia as part of a security assistance package to support the new government of far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that, in coordination with Congress, it intends to announce that assistance as one of the cornerstones of the “renewed alliance” between both countries.

The announcement was made on the occasion of De la Espriella’s inauguration, which the United States attended with a delegation led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The package contemplates reinforcing Colombian security forces in the fight against terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, through U.S. technology, greater operability, and coordinated operations with U.S. forces.

It also includes significantly expanding coca crop eradication and cocaine interdiction operations, as well as pursuing the finances of criminal organizations.

Washington also offered to support Bogotá’s efforts to regain state control of territories dominated by armed groups, protect minors from forced recruitment, and curb irregular migration flows through increased border coordination.

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The State Department framed these measures as a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, which also contemplates economic cooperation in energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, technology, and civil nuclear energy.

Previously, Trump maintained a tense relationship with President Gustavo Petro, in a period marked by disagreements on immigration and security issues.

The arrival of De la Espriella, who has proposed an far-right policy and a hardline approach against armed groups and drug trafficking, now opens a new stage in the ties between Bogotá and Washington.

Most of the Latin American presidents who are part of the region’s right-wing government alliance, which has strengthened ties with the Trump Administration, mainly in matters of security and immigration, participated in the presidential inauguration session.