**US-Colombia security cooperation has intensified under President Abelardo de la Espriella, with Washington supplying MQ-9 Reaper drones for surveillance and potential precision support against narcoterrorist groups like the ELN.** Colombian officials emphasize that their forces will lead ground operations, consistent with sovereignty concerns and public statements ruling out U.S. boots on the ground. Recent developments include the October 2026 relocation of drones from Africa, joint planning under initiatives like Plan Patriota 2.0 and the Shield of the Americas coalition, and ongoing U.S. strikes on suspected trafficking vessels in international waters. These factors shape trader views by highlighting partnership over unilateral action on Colombian soil, while persistent violence from armed groups and maritime trafficking routes introduce uncertainty about possible escalation by year-end. Diplomatic agreements on critical minerals and civil nuclear cooperation further underscore aligned interests rather than confrontation.