According to AFP, Commander of the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Francis L. Donovan visited Colombia on August 26 (local time) to discuss with the government of new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella on coordinated operations against drug trafficking gangs and strengthening the security partnership between the two countries.
Mr. De la Espriella, who took office on August 7, pledged to strengthen the crackdown on guerrilla groups involved in cocaine trafficking in Colombia, with US support.
Colombia is currently the world's largest cocaine producer.
After being elected, Mr. De la Espriella brought Colombia to join a coalition against drug gangs called "Shield of the Americas" - an initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump.
In the June election, Mr. De la Espriella defeated the left-wing candidate with a commitment to strengthen security measures, including ending peace talks with armed groups and promoting military operations with US support.
After that, Colombia allowed the deployment of joint military operations with the US to combat drug trafficking. The US also announced a plan to support 1 billion USD for security operations in Colombia.
