Colombia airstrike kills at least six suspected drug traffickers

At least six suspected members of the Clan del Golfo cartel were killed in an airstrike in northwestern Colombia, according to President Amelardo de la Espriega. The operation took place in the heavily forested Chocó department, a major hub for cocaine trafficking.

President de la Espriega reported that six individuals were “neutralized” and a seventh was taken into custody, noting that the final death toll could rise. This marks the sixth known airstrike since the president took office in August, following his pledge to make the war on drugs a top priority with support from the United States.

The use of airstrikes has sparked public outcry in Colombia, as previous operations have resulted in dozens of deaths, including children. While a judge previously ordered “increased caution” regarding the potential presence of minors in targeted armed groups, a high court in Bogotá recently overturned that measure.

In a related development, the Colombian Ministry of Defense announced that over 300 U.S. military personnel are expected to arrive in the country for joint exercises and to assist in anti-drug trafficking efforts.