The United States said it intends to provide $1 billion in assistance to Colombia as part of a security package for President Abelardo de la Espriella’s new administration, marking an early reset in ties after years of friction under former President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella, a right-wing political outsider endorsed by President Trump despite never having held office, was sworn in on Aug. 7 in Cali and used his inaugural speech to promise he would "relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism," saying "the option of dialogue is completely exhausted" after failed peace talks with guerrilla groups. Washington said the funding, which it plans to announce with Congress, would support shared goals by strengthening Colombia’s security forces through U.S. technology, improved defense-spending efficiency, greater military interoperability and coordinated operations with U.S. forces. The renewed partnership comes as de la Espriella pushes a tougher campaign against armed groups and drug trafficking, including offers to host U.S. troops, bomb jungle cocaine labs and build "mega-prisons," while also seeking to restore investor confidence and deepen economic ties with one of the United States’ closest regional allies.