Colombia security policy faces scrutiny amid political feud

Abelardo de la Espriella Armando Benedetti Colombia security policy narcotrafficking political conflict

Colombia is experiencing heightened political and security tensions under the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. Opposition leader Senator Iván Cepeda has criticized the government's security policies, citing deteriorating public order indicators. These include a 28% decrease in cocaine seizures and a 50% increase in homicides in Barranquilla compared to the same period in 2025. Additionally, reports indicate that 125 members of the Public Force have been injured and 25 killed.

President De la Espriella has announced a new strategy focused on a policy of submission, which includes conditional sentence reductions and direct offensives against criminal organizations. This shift follows a period of instability, with reports noting 128,825 people were confined in 99 events last year and 1,173 cases of minor recruitment were documented between 2024 and July 2026.

A major political dispute has erupted between President De la Espriella and former Interior Minister Armando Benedetti. The conflict stems from allegations involving meetings between former Petro administration officials and paramilitary leaders. De la Espriella has publicly labeled Benedetti a criminal, while Benedetti has denounced the sudden removal of his security detail, holding the President responsible for his and his family's safety.

Entities

Abelardo De La Espriella · Armando Benedetti · Colombia · Iris Marín · Iván Cepeda · Ministry of Defense · Salvatore Mancuso · United Nations

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Cocaine seizures decreased by 28%, from 148,705 kg to 107,009 kg. rionoticias.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] There were 1,173 cases of minor recruitment between 2024 and July of the current year. noticiaslatam.lat
[○ 1 SOURCE] The government is implementing a policy of submission involving conditional sentence reductions and direct offensives against criminal organizations. noticiaslatam.lat
[○ 1 SOURCE] The UN confirmed 13 murders of former FARC-EP combatants between June 27 and September 26, 2026. noticiaslatam.lat
[○ 1 SOURCE] 125 members of the Public Force were injured and 25 were killed. rionoticias.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] 128,825 people were confined in 99 events across various regions last year. noticiaslatam.lat
[○ 1 SOURCE] Homicides in Barranquilla rose to 75, compared to 50 in the same period of 2025. rionoticias.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] Senator Iván Cepeda questioned the security policy of the Abelardo de la Espriella administration. rionoticias.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Abelardo de la Espriella is implementing a policy of submission involving conditional sentence reductions and direct offensives against criminal organizations. noticiaslatam.lat