US to send $1 billion in security aid to Colombia after de la Espriella's inauguration

The US State Department said on Friday it intends to unveil a $1 billion security assistance package for the incoming right-wing administration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. In a statement, the department's spokesperson's office said the package is meant to support shared goals between Washington and Bogotá.

De la Espriella was inaugurated on Friday at a ceremony attended by a US delegation that included acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The State Department said the delegation's presence reflected US commitment to strengthening ties with Colombia and deepening the countries' security and economic partnership.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised de la Espriella, describing him as a smart, strong and tough leader whom he expects to be highly successful in office and a stabilizing force for the political right in the South American country. Trump had earlier pledged full US backing for de la Espriella's presidency.

Joining the alliance

Washington also said on Friday that Colombia has joined the "Shield of the Americas," a coalition of governments spanning the US, Central America and South America committed to combating narcotrafficking organizations. The State Department welcomed Colombia's move and said it stands ready to back the new administration's fight against criminal groups that threaten security and prosperity across the hemisphere.

The US has stepped up its involvement in Latin America during Trump's second term, conducting strikes on boats suspected of trafficking drugs from the region and carrying out an operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Maduro is currently being held in custody in New York on charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, to which he has pleaded not guilty.