Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo emphasizes national control in combating armed groups, aligning with Trump’s security initiative while asserting that Colombian forces will lead operations, not U.S. troops.
UNITED NATIONS — Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo has expressed his country’s commitment to President Donald Trump’s initiative for a new security alliance throughout the Western Hemisphere. In a recent interview, Restrepo made it clear that Colombian troops, rather than American forces, will spearhead operations against armed groups within Colombia.
Restrepo’s comments came shortly after he participated in a Shield of the Americas meeting alongside Trump and other regional leaders during the UN General Assembly in New York. Trump characterized the initiative as “the largest and most powerful alliance for economic and national security ever to convene in the Western Hemisphere.” He urged participants to view what he termed “narco terrorists” as shared threats and to impose sanctions on U.S.-designated terrorist organizations.
During the discussion, Restrepo highlighted the shifting political and security landscape in Latin America, noting that Colombia’s recent political changes align it with a growing number of countries, including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Panama, that have moved toward the right. This shift has been largely driven by voter concerns regarding crime, economic instability, and political unrest.
“There is a wave of freedom, a wave of democracy, a wave of free market,” Restrepo told Fox News Digital. “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.” He emphasized that the Shield of the Americas represents a vital opportunity to preserve democracy in the region.
Restrepo also conveyed that Trump expressed respect for Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, reinforcing Colombia’s status as a significant partner for the United States in the region. However, this partnership faces challenges, particularly in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and armed groups.
In August, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia had authorized “joint military operations to destroy terrorists and terror networks.” He indicated that discussions were underway regarding potential joint strikes against groups such as the National Liberation Army (ELN), which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, as well as remnants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
Despite these discussions, Restrepo clarified the extent of U.S. involvement in military operations. “The United States helps us on security, helps us with information, helps us with technology, but the public forces of Colombia are those who are going to act in those places,” he stated, emphasizing that Colombian forces would be the ones on the ground.
This firm stance comes as Colombia grapples with a resurgence of violence from armed groups and drug traffickers. Recently, President De La Espriella ordered military action in Santa Marta following an armed strike by the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada, an illegal group involved in drug trafficking. The military response included deploying over 500 soldiers and 600 police officers to restore order.
The new administration is also working to reverse the previous government’s “total peace” policy, which sought negotiations with various armed organizations. De La Espriella has indicated plans to dismantle key elements of this policy and reactivate arrest warrants against members of illegal armed groups. Restrepo criticized the former administration for fostering “the idea of impunity,” asserting that the current government intends to confront what it considers terrorist groups.
Restrepo noted that when the new government took office, approximately 30% of Colombia’s regions lacked effective territorial control—a figure that has not been independently verified. He stated that the administration aims to regain control of these areas through enhanced security forces, intelligence gathering, drug eradication efforts, and extraditions.
Furthermore, Restrepo argued that the security debate should extend to the United Nations, where Colombia recently called for reforms and a universal definition of terrorism during its General Assembly address. Although the UN has maintained a global counterterrorism strategy since 2006, member states have struggled to agree on a comprehensive international convention defining terrorism.
In a related development, Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Iran. The ministry stated that this decision aligns with the government’s foreign policy principles regarding national and hemispheric security and the fight against transnational crime, citing alleged connections between the Iranian government and international terrorist groups.
“I think this is a moment in which the United Nations has to reflect on its own future,” Restrepo remarked, advocating for increased efficiency and effectiveness within the organization, as well as international consensus on terrorism. He emphasized that confronting terrorism is essential for achieving peace, a primary objective of the UN.
As Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to leave office at the end of the year, Restrepo suggested that this transition could present an opportunity for the UN to evolve. “I think that the UN has a new moment and has to take advantage of that opportunity,” he stated.
Restrepo concluded by addressing the need for the UN to consistently apply human rights standards, asserting that ideology should not dictate the application of these rights. “Human rights should apply to all, regardless of political considerations,” he said.
These developments underscore Colombia’s commitment to addressing its internal security challenges while navigating its partnership with the United States, as both nations confront the complexities of regional stability.
According to Fox News Digital.