# Colombia peace process and security tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-peace-process-and-security-tensions > Updated: 2026-09-05T19:44:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 6. In early August 2026, President Gustavo Petro signed a resolution reactivating capture orders against members of the Calarcá dissident groups, including Jonathan Jair Narváez Quintero, alias ‘Gafas’, and seven others. This ended the legal protections they had enjoyed while participating in the national peace dialogue, which had been partially suspended in March 2024. Two days later, a series of bombings across Colombia sparked public outcry. Critics argued that the administration’s security policies were inadequate, noting that illegal armed groups such as the ELN and Clan del Golfo now operate in roughly 180 municipalities—more than double the coverage under the earlier peace framework. Violence remains heavily linked to narcotics trafficking, illegal mining, and international cartel connections. By August 9, President Petro criticized the efficacy of military operations against drug trafficking leaders, reporting that 25 airstrikes failed to hit high-level targets. He suggested possible intelligence leaks and alleged that certain sectors of the U.S. government may have intentionally hindered these captures to undermine his political movement, though he provided no evidence for this claim. Concurrently, the government began dismantling parts of its ‘Total Peace’ initiative, including the transfer of former paramilitary leaders Carlos Mario Jiménez, alias ‘Macaco’, and Hernán Giraldo, who had previously served as peace mediators. By late August, the ‘Paz Total’ policy faced increased scrutiny regarding its impact on territorial control. Reports indicated that armed organizations have strengthened their presence in strategic corridors in regions like Nariño, Putumayo, and Cauca. Additionally, investigations surfaced concerning recordings of conversations between former Peace Commissioner Danilo Rueda and representatives of the Clan del Golfo. By the end of August, data from the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences revealed that 458 people had died in military operations during the Petro administration as of May 31, including 62 minors. ## Claims - A total of 62 minors died in military operations during the presidency of Gustavo Petro as of May 31. (single source) - During the administration of Iván Duque, 367 people died in military operations, including 42 minors. (single source) - Three minors, aged 15 and 16, died during a military operation against FARC dissidents in Guaviare. (single source) - The military operation in El Retorno, Guaviare, resulted in at least ten deaths. (single source) - A 16-year-old minor died during a military bombing targeting the ELN in Catatumbo on August 10. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Colombia: Petro administration faces scrutiny over fund use and criminal ties The Colombian government faces allegations regarding the rapid expenditure of DPS funds for advertising and leaked recordings of a criminal leader discussing political support for the Pacto Histórico. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-petro-administration-faces-scrutiny-over-fund-use-and-criminal-ties ### 2026-08-31: Colombia: 62 minors killed in military operations during Petro administration Medicina Legal reports 62 minors have died in military operations during the Petro administration, including recent fatalities of adolescents in Guaviare and a 16-year-old in Catatumbo. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-reports-62-minor-deaths-in-military-operations-under-petro ### 2026-08-21: Colombia peace policy faces scrutiny over security limits The end of Gustavo Petro’s term brings scrutiny to the ‘Paz Total’ policy, as armed groups expanded control in key Colombian regions despite ongoing peace negotiations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-peace-policy-faces-scrutiny-over-security-limits ### 2026-08-09: Gustavo Petro alleges U.S. interference in drug enforcement Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused U.S. sectors of hindering drug lord captures to undermine his government, while the administration begins dismantling parts of his 'Total Peace' policy. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gustavo-petro-alleges-us-interference-in-drug-enforcement ### 2026-08-07: Colombia bombings prompt demands for stronger security and criticism of Petro's government Colombian bombings were denounced, with calls for stronger intelligence, criticism of President Petro’s security policy, and emphasis on the role of ELN and Clan del Golfo in widespread violence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-bombings-prompt-demands-for-stronger-security-and-criticism-of-petros-government ### 2026-08-05: Colombia's President Petro Reactivates Capture Orders for Calarcá Dissidents Colombia's President Petro reactivated arrest warrants for alias “Gafas” and seven Calarcá dissidents on 4 Aug 2026 after ending their peace‑talk recognition, stripping them of legal immunity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombias-president-petro-reactivates-capture-orders-for-calarc-dissidents --- Cite as: Colombia peace process and security tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-peace-process-and-security-tensions