[International] Colombia's Right-Wing President Inaugurated; Trump Administration Plans $1 Billion in Security Aid

The U.S. Department of State announced today (7th) that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to the government of Colombia's new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella. In a statement, the U.S. Department of State said: "As a cornerstone of rebuilding our partnership, the United States will work with Colombia to announce a planned $1 billion in assistance as part of a security package to support the Espriella administration in achieving our common goals." Colombia's new president was sworn into office on the 7th, vowing to combat crime and boost the economy. Trump had endorsed Espriella during the presidential election campaign. The U.S. Department of State stated that the Trump administration welcomes Colombia's joining the "Shield of the Americas," a military alliance founded by Trump and composed of right-wing leaders, which vows to combat drug trafficking. Trump has taken steps to increase U.S. presence and influence in Latin America. Trump ordered a deadly raid and the arrest of the ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and U.S. forces have also launched multiple attacks on vessels in the Caribbean, resulting in dozens of casualties. Human rights groups in the U.S. and around the world have stated that such actions are illegal and amount to extrajudicial executions. Trump claims these measures are aimed at combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Trump had disputes with former Colombian President Gustavo Petro on various issues. Petro is a former rebel and Colombia's first left-wing president. Petro had called Trump an "accomplice to genocide" due to attacks by the U.S. ally Israel on Gaza and called for "criminal proceedings" against the U.S. for attacking vessels in the Caribbean. Petro also criticized Trump's support for Espriella during the election campaign. (Editor: Liu Xianghua)