US promises $1bn in security aid to Colombia as new rightwing president pledges drugs crackdown

<p>Trump ally Abelardo De La ‌Espriella vows to start ‘profound transformation’ of country’s destiny as he is sworn in</p><p>The ​Trump administration plans to provide $1bn in security assistance to the ⁠government of Colombia’s new ​rightwing ‌president, the US state department announced, soon after Abelardo De La ‌Espriella was sworn in and used his inaugural speech to pledge a vigorous fight against drug trafficking, as well as austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy.</p><p>De La Espriella, 48, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/21/far-right-millionaire-abelardo-de-la-espriella-wins-colombia-presidential-runoff">won June’s runoff election</a> with ⁠promises to crack down on armed groups, shrink ⁠the state by as much as 40% and ​revive the oil and gas sector.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/08/us-promises-1bn-in-security-aid-to-colombia-as-new-rightwing-president-pledges-drugs-crackdown">Continue reading...</a>