Colombian Government Engages in Military Offensives Against Rebel Factions

The Colombian government, led by President Abelardo de la Espriella, has launched a series of military offensives against remnants of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). On Sunday, it was reported that a leader from the ‘Structure 28’ faction, known as ‘Ruso’ or ‘Alemán’, along with three subordinates, was killed in an operation in the Meta department, central Colombia. This was revealed by De la Espriella through a video shared on social media.

President de la Espriella emphasized the significance of this operation, describing it as a crucial action against an explosives expert responsible for attacks on rival dissident groups over the control of illicit activities. This faction operates under the command of ‘Iván Mordisco’, one of Colombia’s most wanted individuals. De la Espriella has demanded that Mordisco surrender to authorities or face severe consequences.

This announcement follows two days after de la Espriella took office and under 24 hours after a violent episode in Colombia, which involved an explosive attack on a toll booth along a busy highway in the southwest, resulting in minor injuries to two soldiers.

In a separate military action in the Antioquia department of northwest Colombia, the army neutralized two members of the Clan del Golfo faction on Sunday. This group was implicated in the killing of four soldiers in 2024. Additionally, four more members of the faction were apprehended.

“There will be no truce for the criminals, and we will pursue them,” asserted De la Espriella.

President de la Espriella, known for his conservative stance, announced a shift in strategy to apply increased military pressure against organized crime. This approach marks a stark departure from the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who favored controversial peace talks.