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Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella takes office with a hardline security agenda backed by a proposed $1 billion U.S. assistance package. The aid aims to strengthen Colombia’s fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and insurgent groups through advanced technology, military coordination, and security cooperation. De la Espriella signals a sharp break from Gustavo Petro’s peace-focused approach by prioritizing force, possible U.S. troop cooperation, jungle lab strikes, and mega-prisons. The move draws regional conservative support but raises human rights concerns
Saturday, 8 August, 2026