Colombia election favorite vows US-backed strikes on narco campsAbelardo de la Espriella vowed to launch a 'shock plan' against drug-producing armed groups in Colombia if elected presidentBOGOTá - Colombia's right-wing presidential frontrunner told AFP on Wednesday that he would seek US support for a bombing campaign to rout cocaine-producing armed groups during his first 90 days in office. Sporadic ceasefires have helped quell violence, but the power of many armed groups has grown. Polls show De la Espriella running slightly ahead of leftist rival Ivan Cepeda. De la Espriella said his 90‑day emergency plan would "take back territory through a strategic alliance with the United States and Israel." "This cannot be done without a strategic alliance with the United States and the State of Israel, with US aircraft."

Source: Bangkok Post February 11, 2026 21:51 UTC