New Colombia president vows to 'defeat narco-terrorists'

Colombia's newly sworn-in right-wing President Abelardo De La Espriella pledged a robust campaign against drug trafficking and economic austerity during his inauguration speech. The 48-year-old, an ally of US President Donald Trump, won the June runoff on promises to combat armed groups, reduce the government by up to 40%, and rejuvenate the oil and gas sector.

De La Espriella, who has never held elected office before, vowed to "relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism" and eliminate illicit crops through aerial herbicide spraying. He intends to join US anti-cartel alliance Shield of the Americas and potentially host US troops on Colombian soil. The inauguration took place in Cali, Colombia's salsa capital, marking a departure from the usual ceremony in Bogota.

Despite facing divided Congress and lacking a majority, supporters are optimistic about his tough stance on crime. De La Espriella's "Plan Colombia II" echoes the previous administration's initiative aimed at curbing drug cartels and leftist groups, although it also resulted in human rights abuses. The US State Department has pledged a $1 billion assistance package to bolster Colombia's efforts in achieving shared security goals.