The United States and Colombia formalized a new strategic military alliance with a joint tactical agenda to dismantle transnational narcotics networks along the Pacific coast and the Ecuadorian border. ^[1] The Russian Embassy in Bogotá reiterated on September 3, 2026, its willingness to resume cooperation with the Colombian government to repair and maintain Mi-17 helicopters. ^[2] A recent joint operation led by the Colombian Air Force with Southcom participation successfully intercepted 4.5 tons of cocaine, seized five vessels, and resulted in eight arrests. ^[3] General Francis L. Donovan, head of the U.S. Southern Command, arrived in Colombia to oversee the operational specifics of the alliance, including targeting semisubmersibles and rehabilitating grounded aircraft. ^[4] The US and Colombia agreed to bolster their military presence and tighten intelligence sharing in the border area between southwestern Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. ^[5] The Russian Embassy criticized the previous Colombian government's attempts to restore the operability of the helicopters, stating they were failed efforts aided by unauthorized contractors. ^[6] The embassy specifically blamed the failure of previous repairs on the involvement of unauthorized contractors during the prior administration. ^[7]