Americas Colombia asks US for $500m
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The Colombian Government has asked the United States for $500m of military aid as it prepares for a possible resumption of its war with left-wing rebels. The request comes at a time of escalating guerrilla fighting in Colombia and increasing drug trafficking. The army says it killed 300 rebels in recent clashes The shopping list includes military helicopters, radar equipment and interceptor planes capable of shooting down aircraft used by cocaine smugglers. Colombia produces most of the world’s cocaine and more than half the heroine seized on US streets. One recent study estimated that the country’s cocaine production would rise by 50% over the next two years. US and Colombian authorities say many of the illicit plantations are controlled by the guerrillas, who work closely with the drugs trade. “We are preparing modern armed forces which, if peace is achieved, will guard our borders and natural resources,” Mr Ramirez said after meeting US senators in Washington. “But we are also preparing the armed forces for war, if needs be. I hope it does not come to that, but we are prepared for peace or war.” Near crisis situation Colombia is already the third largest recipient of US military aid after Israel and Egypt. More : news.bbc.co.uk |