De la Espriella authorizes U.S. military operations in Colombia, according to Hegseth

Colombia is set to join the Coalition Against Cartels in the Americas (A3C), becoming its nineteenth member, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday. The decision follows new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella's authorization of joint military operations with the United States aimed at dismantling narcoterrorist networks.

Hegseth expressed pride in Colombia's commitment, stating that the country has requested U.S. support in its fight against narcoterrorism. "We have meetings, we will coordinate, but ultimately, it is about the operations we can carry out together to protect individual sovereignty and the entirety of the hemisphere," Hegseth declared during a coalition meeting in Panama City.

This development marks a significant shift in U.S.-Colombia relations. Since de la Espriella's election victory, ties between the two nations have become closer, moving away from the tense period experienced under former President Gustavo Petro. Washington has offered political support, security cooperation, and aid to Colombia, reinforcing a strong alliance between the current administrations.

The U.S. Department of State plans to allocate one billion dollars to Colombia as part of a security assistance package. This funding aims to bolster Colombian security forces in their battle against transnational terrorist and criminal organizations through advanced U.S. technology, enhanced operational capabilities, and coordinated operations with American forces. Hegseth also highlighted similar partnerships with Ecuador, Honduras, and Guatemala within the A3C framework.