# Colombian Army divisional leadership changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-army-divisional-leadership-changes
> Updated: 2026-09-07T23:56:42.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Colombian Army has undergone leadership transitions within two of its major divisions.

In early September 2026, General Juan Odúber Rendón Pérez assumed command of the Fifth Division, succeeding General Carlos Ernesto Marmolejo Cumbe. The Fifth Division manages security across several departments, including Bogotá, Boyacá, and Tolima. During the outgoing commander’s tenure, the unit reported various operational successes, such as the seizure of weapons and ammunition, the neutralization of explosive devices, and the intervention of illicit crop plants.

Shortly thereafter, Brigadier General Samuel Salinas Valencia took command of the Third Division during a ceremony in Cali. Succeeding Brigadier General Javier Hernando Africano López, Salinas Valencia is tasked with overseeing military operations in the southwestern region of Colombia, including the Cauca department.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Samuel Salinas Valencia assumes command of Colombia's Third Division

Brigadier General Samuel Salinas Valencia has taken command of the Colombian Army's Third Division in Cali, succeeding Brigadier General Javier Hernando Africano López.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samuel-salinas-valencia-assumes-command-of-colombias-third-division

### 2026-09-03: Colombian Army Fifth Division undergoes leadership change

General Juan Odúber Rendón Pérez has assumed command of Colombia's Fifth Division, succeeding General Carlos Ernesto Marmolejo Cumbe in a ceremony led by the Army Commander.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-army-fifth-division-undergoes-leadership-change

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Cite as: Colombian Army divisional leadership changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-army-divisional-leadership-changes