US PROMISES $1BN IN SECURITY AID TO COLOMBIA AS NEW RIGHTWING PRESIDENT PLEDGES DRUGS CRACKDOWN

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in on Monday, and the United States announced it would provide $1 billion in security assistance to the new administration, according to the U.S. State Department. De La Espriella, a Trump ally, used his inaugural speech to promise a vigorous crackdown on drug trafficking and armed groups.

The $1 billion aid package comes soon after De La Espriella won the June runoff election on a platform that included shrinking the state by up to 40 %, reviving the oil and gas sector, and implementing austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy. In his speech, the 48‑year‑old president pledged a ‘profound transformation’ of Colombia’s destiny and an intensified fight against narcotics, as reported by The Guardian and corroborated by France 24 and Al Jazeera.

The announcement follows years of U.S. military and economic support aimed at combating drug trafficking and insurgent groups in Colombia, and it signals a continuation of the Trump‑era partnership under a right‑wing leader.

• Colombia’s new president, Abelardo De La Espriella, sworn in with a pledge to crack down on armed groups and drug trafficking.
• The U.S. State Department announced a $1 billion security assistance package shortly after the inauguration.
• De La Espriella’s campaign included shrinking the state by up to 40 % and reviving the oil and gas sector.
• The move continues longstanding U.S.–Colombia cooperation focused on security and anti‑narcotics efforts.

Read the original source for full detail available at World news | The Guardian src