Shield of the Americas

Colombian President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella plans to restore relations with Israel, confirmed during a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who praised him as a 'true friend of the Jewish people.' De la Espriella also aims to join Trump's 'Shield of the Americas' coalition, reversing previous policies under President Gustavo Petro, who ended a free trade agreement with Israel.

Colombia's president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced the country will join the US-led 'Shield of the Americas' initiative on August 7. He stated Colombia will actively combat narcoterrorism, replacing what he described as a previous government's complacency.

Kristi Noem, Special Envoy to the Shield of the Americas, made an embarrassing geography mistake during a TV appearance discussing her new role. She incorrectly identified Washington's best friend in South America when questioned about the topic.

Donald Trump's return to the White House and the launch of the 'Shield of the Americas'—a militarized anti-narcotics coalition excluding Mexico—have altered Central America's security landscape. The coalition, unveiled in Miami, has pushed drug trafficking routes into international waters and prompted uneven regional responses, according to a report by EL PAÍS.

The United States and the Shield of the Americas condemned ongoing efforts to overthrow Bolivia's elected president, Rodrigo Paz, citing road blockades and protests fueled by economic issues. The statement supported Paz's government and criticized those using 'dirty money' from drug trafficking to incite unrest. Former President Evo Morales called for early elections amid social unrest and rising fuel prices.