US promises $1bn in security aid to Colombia as new rightwing president pledges drugs crackdown

De La Espriella, 48, won June’s runoff election with ⁠promises to crack down on armed groups, shrink ⁠the state by as much as 40% and ​revive the oil and gas sector.

“I send a firm message to the Colombian people: the time has come to restore order, authority and freedom,” said De La Espriella, who received the endorsement of Donald Trump before his runoff election.

This is a short excerpt. EkJhalak links out rather than reproducing other newsrooms’ work — continue at The Guardian.