Colombia hit by 7.4 magnitude earthquake amid major diplomatic shifts

• A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in over 130 deaths.
• President Abelardo De la Espriella declared a state of emergency and mobilized military and police for rescue operations.
• Amid the disaster response, the government announced significant shifts in foreign policy, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and freezing relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

Earthquake Impact

• The quake, the strongest in the country this century, originated in the Chocó region.
• President De la Espriella reported approximately 5,000 homes collapsed and at least 180 people missing.
• The United States has pledged $15.5 million in aid to assist with emergency relief efforts.
• Regional airports remain closed due to structural damage caused by the four-minute-long seismic event.

Diplomatic Policy Changes

• The administration utilized the initial hours following the earthquake to implement major foreign policy shifts:
  • Formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining only the United States in this stance.
  • Suspension of diplomatic relations with the SADR after recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
• These moves signal a strategic alignment with an international coalition of conservative leaders, including Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Javier Milei.