US backs Colombia’s new hardline president with $1B security package

The U.S. State Department announced a $1 billion security package for the Colombian government of Abelardo de la Espriella, signaling a strengthened US-Colombia partnership as the Trump-backed right-wing president vows a hardline crackdown on drug cartels and armed groups; a delegation led by Attorney General Todd Blanche attended his Cali inauguration, with goals to eradicate coca, shrink government, and revive oil and gas, while linking Colombia to initiatives like the Shield of the Americas in a time of political polarization.