US to Provide Colombia $1bn in Security Aid

The administration of US President Donald Trump plans to provide Colombia with $1bn in security assistance. The US State Department announced the aid package on Friday, following the inauguration of new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella.

De la Espriella was sworn in as president on Friday. In his inaugural address, he pledged a vigorous fight against drug trafficking, along with austerity measures designed to restore confidence in the economy. During his career as a lawyer, he represented individuals linked to right-wing paramilitary groups. He has not previously held elected office, according to Reuters.

"I have come to close a long chapter of national resignation and, together with the people, embark on the most profound transformation of our destiny", the new head of state said at the Pichincha Battalion military base in Cali.

"I send a firm message to the Colombian people: the time has come to restore order, authority, and freedom", de la Espriella declared.

The aid package is intended to support Colombia's fight against crime and drug trafficking. Colombia will also join "Shield of the Americas", a military alliance of Latin American countries created by Trump to combat international drug cartels. The alliance has so far brought together 17 countries.

Trump backed de la Espriella during the election campaign. His predecessor, left-wing leader Gustavo Petro, repeatedly clashed with the US president, among other issues over the war in Gaza and US attacks on vessels in the Caribbean.

(Reuters, luc)