The United States plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia under the government of its new president, Abelardo De La Espriella.
The US State Department said the planned aid will support Colombia’s security goals. The move marks a new step in ties between Washington and the new Colombian government.
De La Espriella took office on Friday. He has promised to take a tougher approach to crime and drug groups. He has also pledged to help revive Colombia’s economy.
The State Department said the United States will work with Congress on the planned security package. It said the aid will help the new government reach shared goals with Washington.
The announcement came as the new president began his term. US President Donald Trump had backed De La Espriella during Colombia’s election.
The Trump administration has also welcomed Colombia into the “Shield of the Americas.” The group was created by Trump and brings together right-wing leaders in the region. Its main goal is to fight drug trafficking and other security threats.
The new US plan shows a stronger focus on security in Latin America. The Trump administration has sought to expand US influence in the region. It has also taken a much harder line against drug trafficking and illegal migration.
Trump has ordered major military action in the region. US forces have carried out several strikes on boats in the Caribbean. The attacks have killed dozens of people, according to the information provided by the US government.
The United States has also taken direct action against Venezuela. Trump ordered the seizure of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid.
Human rights groups and other critics have raised serious concerns over these actions. They say some US military steps may break international law. They have also accused the administration of using excessive force.
Trump has defended the actions as part of efforts to stop drug trafficking and illegal migration. His administration has made these issues key parts of its policy in the region.
The planned aid to Colombia also signals a major change in the relationship between Washington and Bogota.
Trump had a tense relationship with Colombia’s former president, Gustavo Petro. Petro was Colombia’s first leftist president and a former rebel leader.
The two leaders often disagreed on security, migration and foreign policy. Their disputes became more public during Trump’s second term.
Petro also strongly criticized US actions in the Caribbean. He called for legal action over US attacks on boats in the region.
The former Colombian president also criticized Trump’s support for De La Espriella during the election campaign.
Petro had accused Trump of being involved in the Gaza conflict. His comments added to the growing tension between the two governments.
The new US security plan comes as De La Espriella seeks to make security a central part of his presidency.
Colombia has faced long-running problems linked to drug trafficking, armed groups and organized crime. The new government has promised stronger action against these threats.
The planned $1 billion package could give Colombia more support as it works to improve its security forces and fight criminal groups.
However, the plan still requires work with the US Congress. The State Department said the United States intends to announce the assistance as part of a wider security package.
The new partnership could also give Washington a stronger role in Colombia and the wider Latin American region. For De La Espriella, closer ties with the Trump administration may provide more support for his security agenda.
The plan now moves toward the next stage as the new Colombian government begins its term and Washington works to build closer ties with its new leader.
