Colombia orders extradition of guerrilla leaders to the United States

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered the extradition of several high-ranking guerrilla leaders to the United States. Among those slated for extradition are Willinton Henao Gutiérrez (alias “El Mocho Olmedo”), Carmen Evelio Castillo Carrillo (alias “Muñeca”), and Geovany Andrés Rojas (alias “Araña”), all associated with FARC dissidents. These individuals face U.S. charges including narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons possession.

The move marks a strategic shift in national security policy, reversing previous suspensions of extradition that had been tied to peace dialogue processes. The administration aims to align more closely with U.S. policy to dismantle armed organizations funded by drug trafficking.

Additionally, the FBI has identified Wilver Villegas Palomino, an alleged high-ranking member of the ELN known as “Carlos El Puerco,” as a priority fugitive. A reward of up to $5 million is being offered for information leading to his capture. Villegas Palomino is accused of involvement in international cocaine conspiracy and narcoterrorism, with operations linked to the Catatumbo region and Venezuela.