Trump Ally Targets Marxist Terror Groups in Colombia Security Shift

Clear Facts

• Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo stated Colombian troops will lead operations against armed groups while receiving U.S. support in intelligence and technology.
• President Donald Trump called the Shield of the Americas the largest alliance for economic and national security in the Western Hemisphere.
• Colombia’s new government is reversing former President Gustavo Petro’s total peace policy and has deployed over 500 soldiers and 600 police officers to Santa Marta to restore order.

Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo confirmed that his nation is aligning with President Donald Trump’s regional security framework while maintaining full operational control over its territory. The announcement came during meetings at the United Nations General Assembly where regional leaders gathered under the Shield of the Americas initiative.

Restrepo emphasized that American assistance will focus on intelligence sharing and technology rather than direct military involvement inside Colombia. He stated that Colombian public forces will conduct all ground operations against designated terrorist organizations.

“There is a wave of freedom, a wave of democracy, a wave of free market. … There is a new momentum for the region and we have to take advantage of that momentum. That’s what I said to President Trump,” Restrepo told Fox News Digital.

The shift follows the June election of President Abelardo De La Espriella, who joins other right-leaning leaders across Latin America in confronting crime and economic instability. His administration has already suspended diplomatic relations with Iran over alleged ties to terrorist networks.

“Colombia is a new partner. In my opinion, it’s one of the most important partners for the United States in the region,” Restrepo said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously confirmed that Colombia authorized joint military operations targeting groups including the National Liberation Army and remaining FARC elements. The new government has reactivated arrest warrants against illegal armed organizations and dismantled former peace negotiation frameworks.

“The United States helps us on security, helps us information, helps us on technology, but the public forces of Colombia are those who are going to act in those places,” Restrepo clarified.

De La Espriella ordered military forces into Santa Marta this week after an illegal armed group linked to drug trafficking launched coordinated attacks. More than 1,100 security personnel were deployed to restore public order and territorial control.

Restrepo noted that approximately thirty percent of Colombian territory lacked effective government control when the new administration took office. The government is now prioritizing drug eradication, enhanced intelligence operations, and extraditions to reclaim these areas.

Colombia also called for United Nations reforms during its General Assembly address, including a clear international definition of terrorism. The country suspended all diplomatic relations with Iran due to documented connections with transnational criminal organizations.

“Human rights should apply to all, regardless of political considerations,” Restrepo said. “Ideology cannot decide to whom we are going to apply or not human rights.”

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