The head of the U.S. military’s Southern Command, General Douglas Fraser, on Thursday reiterated his country’s support for Colombia’s ongoing war on drugs and terrorism.
The American general stated in a press conference in Bogota, “I reiterate the commitment of the U.S. government and the Southern Command in support of Colombia’s commitment to defend its democratic institutions, protect its citizens and improve the security, stability and rule of law throughout the country.”
Fraser made the statements in Bogota after a meeting with Colombia’s Defense Minister, Juan Carlos Pinzon. The U.S general reiterated his country’s continued support for the efforts of the Colombian armed forces, saying that he was impressed by their “professionalism, courage and the way that they are always thinking about how to make Colombia a safer place.”
The U.S. general also praised Colombia’s military operations saying, “they change their strategy with admirable speed and efficiency” in order to combat the constantly changing tactics of terrorists and insurgents in the country.
During the meeting Fraser also announced that the United States would be sending a commission of experts to assist with the strengthening of the Colombian military criminal justice system.