Abelardo de la Espriella, the main right-wing candidate for the presidency in Colombia, has announced plans for a military offensive against cocaine cartels, which would involve aerial bombardments supported by the United States and Israel. This plan aims to regain control of areas currently dominated by guerrillas and narcotraffickers. During his campaign announcement in Bogotá, he emphasized the immediate need for action, claiming that these measures would be initiated within his first 90 days in office.

De la Espriella's proposed plan includes a variety of tactics, such as the use of warplanes from the US and intensive aerial fumigation efforts aimed at eradicating coca crops. He describes his initiative as a "shock plan," which would arm local forces with advanced weaponry, artificial intelligence, and drones, as well as ensuring financial support. His rhetoric underscores a dramatic escalation in Colombia's ongoing conflict with drug cartels, casting it as a critical priority for his administration.

This militarized approach to drug trafficking raises several implications for Colombia's political landscape and its international relations. By seeking close partnerships with the US and Israel, De la Espriella aims to bolster his strategy, reflecting a potential shift in Colombia's anti-drug policies. However, the effectiveness and ethical considerations of such military measures will likely be debated, highlighting the complex challenges Colombia faces in balancing national security, human rights, and the socio-economic impacts of coca cultivation.