Colombia's new president vows war on narco-terrorism, eyes U.S. alliance

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a hardline stance against drug trafficking and armed groups in his first speech as leader, vowing to restore order and eradicate "narco-terrorists." His inauguration marks a significant shift to the right for the Andean nation, signaling a desire for closer ties with Washington and a tougher approach to internal conflicts.

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There will be no room for maneuvers that undermine the stability of the nation.

"There will be no room for maneuvers that undermine the stability of the nation," de la Espriella told hundreds of soldiers at a military garrison in Cali, where his inauguration took place in a break from tradition. He explicitly stated that "the option of dialogue is completely exhausted," referring to the previous administration's peace talks with guerrillas. A key priority for the new administration is joining the U.S.-led regional anti-cartel alliance, the Shield of the Americas.

In response to de la Espriella's alignment, the U.S. State Department announced its intention to work with Congress to provide a $1 billion security assistance package. This support aims to bolster the new Colombian administration's efforts. De la Espriella, who holds dual U.S. and Colombian citizenship, has also expressed willingness to host U.S. troops on Colombian soil and proposed measures such as bombing cocaine labs, constructing "mega-prisons," and reducing the size of the state.

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the option of dialogue is completely exhausted

The inauguration in Cali, Colombia's salsa capital, was marked by heightened security, including 11,000 troops and an anti-drone system, due to recent guerrilla attacks in the region. De la Espriella's narrow victory over his leftist predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who declined to attend the ceremony, leaves him facing a divided Congress where he lacks a majority. Supporters anticipate a stringent crackdown on crime and dissident armed groups.

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$1 billion in assistance as part of a security package to support the new administration