Colombia threatens military response over San Andrés sovereignty

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has issued a direct warning to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega regarding the sovereignty of the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago. Speaking from a Colombian Navy vessel in the Caribbean, De la Espriella stated that Colombia will respond with its full armed forces if any part of San Andrés is encroached upon.

The administration plans to officially establish the archipelago's maritime baselines on November 30. This move aims to formalize the points from which Colombia measures its maritime spaces, a regulation that has remained pending for 48 years.

Legal experts suggest this presidential decree could reignite maritime disputes, as the action may impact sea zones previously assigned to Nicaragua by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) fourteen years ago. De la Espriella emphasized that Colombia will not cede any nautical miles or reefs, framing the decision as a necessary defense of national sovereignty and the protection of local fishermen.