BOGOTA — Colombia's government said on Friday it will challenge a court order to suspend the activities of a U.S. army unit advising its military in the fight against drug trafficking. The decision by the administrative tribunal of Cundinamarca province, released late on Thursday, came after opposition lawmakers alleged the Senate should have authorized the presence of the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), which arrived in June for a four-month stay. Opposition lawmakers involved in the suit argue the constitution requires any movement of foreign troops within Colombia be approved by the Senate. They had hailed the ruling late on Thursday. Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said the SFAB's presence does not require authorization by lawmakers, and that the 53 members of the unit are assisting and advising four Colombian units.

Source: International New York Times July 03, 2020 15:45 UTC