The statement—released through the official channels of the *Coordinacion Colombia Europa Estados Unidos* (Colombia-Europe-United States Coordination), a coalition comprising over 280 civil society associations—expressed concern regarding the presence of more than 300 U.S. military personnel on Colombian soil.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the soldiers are participating in a joint military exercise with the National Army’s 1st Anti-Narcotics Battalion. They are stationed at the Tolemaida Military Base, located in the central department of Cundinamarca, where the maneuvers will continue until November 11.

The statement warned that training with foreign forces involves the sharing of knowledge, capabilities, procedures, and doctrines. This could influence how the national government conceives and implements its security policy, and may lead to practices that create strategic dependencies and compromise national autonomy.

“Military cooperation with the United States must be subject to public scrutiny, democratic oversight, and strict adherence to constitutional obligations.

It must be ensured that decisions regarding national defense serve Colombia’s sovereign interests, rather than being subordinated to external strategic agendas,” the statement emphasized.

It further stressed that international cooperation must not become a means of subordinating national decision-making to the interests of the United States in the region.

“Colombia has the right and the obligation to define its own security priorities—sovereignly—while addressing the needs of its population and ensuring the protection of human rights.

The historical experience of military relations between Colombia and the United States calls for a serious public discussion,” the signatory organizations stated.

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