# Colombia-US security and anti-drug cooperation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-us-security-and-anti-drug-cooperation > Updated: 2026-08-14T10:12:11.000Z. Sources: 123. Developments: 2. Under the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia has officially joined the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), also known as the ‘Shield of the Americas’. This move formalizes a deepened military cooperation with the United States to combat narcoterrorism and transnational organized crime. As part of this alliance, the U.S. Department of State plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated a shift toward more aggressive tactics, including potential terrestrial operations to complement maritime strikes. During the announcement in Panama, Hegseth also urged coalition members to reject the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). While pursuing this new security alignment, the Colombian government is facing domestic criticism regarding its handling of a major earthquake in Pereira. The administration has reportedly declined offers of international rescue teams from countries such as Mexico, Brazil, China, and Spain, choosing to accept only financial aid and supplies instead. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Colombia joins A3C coalition amid earthquake relief controversy President Abelardo de la Espriella has joined the A3C anti-cartel coalition while facing backlash for declining international rescue teams following a devastating earthquake in Colombia. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-joins-a3c-coalition-amid-earthquake-relief-controversy ### 2026-08-11: Colombia joins U.S. anti-drug coalition and authorizes joint military operations Colombia has joined the U.S.-led Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and authorized joint military operations with the U.S. to combat narcoterrorism, supported by $1 billion in planned security assistance. 119 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pete-hegseth-travels-to-panama-for-a3c-cartel-coalition-summit --- Cite as: Colombia-US security and anti-drug cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-us-security-and-anti-drug-cooperation