US Southern Command Chief Lands in Bogotá on Drug Fight
General Francis Donovan of the US Southern Command spent two days in Colombia with the country's new armed forces command. The trip followed a US$1 billion assistance pledge from Washington. The post US Southern Command Chief Lands in Bogotá on Drug Fight appeared first on The Rio Times .
US Southern Command Chief General Francis L. Donovan arrived in Bogotá on August 26, 2026, to meet with Colombia's new military leaders. He traveled to the Colombian capital by US military aircraft to meet the high-ranking military officials installed by President Abelardo de la Espriella. General Donovan's visit marked the first senior American visit since the change of government in Colombia.
The US Southern Command, led by Donovan, is the Pentagon's combatant command for Latin America and the Caribbean. Its mission covers 31 countries and the surrounding waters. The visit aimed to strengthen the security partnership and work jointly against narcoterrorists. During his two-day stay, Donovan met with Colombian troops and discussed technical matters such as intelligence, reconnaissance, and special operations.
Colombian officials briefed Donovan on the use of semi-submersible vessels and fast boats in the Pacific. However, no joint written declaration or agreement was signed during the meetings. The absence of a formal document highlights the difference between statements of intent and concrete commitments.
Despite the strained relations during Gustavo Petro's presidency (2022-2026), Colombia has been named by the United States as a country failing to control drug-related issues. The White House determination for fiscal year 2026, released on September 15, 2025, included Colombia on the list of countries needing vital security assistance. Colombia received a US$1 billion assistance package on August 7, 2026, which is being allocated in collaboration with the US Congress.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported a 3.5 percent increase in coca cultivation in Colombia, with 261,000 hectares planted with coca in 2024. This was the first time in two decades that the agency did not provide an estimate of cocaine production potential. Colombia's accession to the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) was announced on August 18, 2026, making it the 19th member of the coalition.
The government has opened the door to joint operations with American forces on Colombian soil, marking a significant shift in the country's security policy.
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