Colombia launches military offensive against armed groups

President Abelardo de la Espriella has launched a new security offensive against illegal armed groups, marking a significant shift from the previous administration’s ‘total peace’ policy. Military operations in Meta and Antioquia resulted in the deaths of six criminal group members, including a FARC dissident leader known as ‘Ruso’ or ‘Alemán’ in Mapiripán. Additionally, two members of the Clan del Golfo were killed in Anorí, and four suspected members of the Gabriel Poveda Ramos sub-structure were captured in Necoclí.

The Defense Minister, General Jorge Eduardo Mora, stated that the Public Force is regaining offensive capacity to directly confront illegal organizations and suggested the return of aerial bombings as part of the strategy. This shift aims to recover territorial control and increase military presence in high-conflict zones.

Simultaneously, the Defensoría del Pueblo reported violence across 11 departments, including drone and explosive attacks in Tolima and Cauca. Reports indicate combat between the Army and the Carlos Patiño front in El Tambo, as well as explosive incidents targeting infrastructure and military bases. The government maintains that these operations are essential to addressing the security threats that have impacted various communities.