Colombia's escalating, brutal internal conflict is defining its presidential election

Another couple, who wanted to remain anonymous, said their small food delivery business was contacted by a man claiming to be from the FARC. He began extorting their children, demanding 5 million pesos (about $1,500; £1,100).Through tears, the woman described how crime has grown "so much" and you "can't go out in peace anymore".Trump's endorsement of de la Espriella, criticised by the left as foreign interference, comes as the US takes a more interventionist stance towards criminal groups in Latin America.Trump said the election would determine Colombia's relationship with the US, adding that "if Abelardo wins…[Colombia] will have the total support and strength of the United States behind him", and called Cepeda a "radical left Marxist".de la Espriella grew up on Colombia's Caribbean coast where he retains strong regional support.Maria Luisa Sanchez, a childhood family friend and neighbour, said de la Espriella has "achieved everything he has set out in life, he is a man with very strong convictions"."He has that character, courage, it's what we need for Colombia, a person ... who is tough on drug-trafficking, tough on guerillas."Supporter Sandra Caballero, from a village outside of Barranquilla, said he "will work with the United States to fight drug trafficking and doesn't plan to speak with criminals – which has not given results in four years".