What Happened
New Partnership May Be Complicated By Disaster Relief Efforts
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella’s plans to combat drug traffickers and armed groups may be complicated by a recent earthquake that has destroyed thousands of homes and killed over 300 people, according to POLITICO. The US has announced a $1 billion security assistance package to Colombia, marking a sharp break from its relationship with de la Espriella’s predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The earthquake has forced Colombia to declare an economic emergency, and the US has committed $26.5 million in emergency assistance, with de la Espriella asking for temporary suspension of tariffs on Colombian goods. This development was first reported by POLITICO.