Colombian Government Launches Military Offensive Against Armed Factions

A leader of a faction within the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and three of his subordinates were killed in one of the first military operations under President Abelardo de la Espriella. The event was announced on Sunday.

The leader, known as “Ruso” or “Alemán,” was the head of “Structure 28.” He died during an operation in the rural area of Meta, located in central Colombia, as per a video statement from De la Espriella shared on social media.

De la Espriella described the operation as a significant achievement. “Ruso” was recognized as an expert in explosives and had orchestrated attacks against rival factions, competing for territory for illicit activities.

This faction is part of the illegal network commanded by “Iván Mordisco,” one of Colombia’s most wanted men. The president has demanded that Mordisco surrender to the authorities or face serious consequences.

The news came two days after De la Espriella took office and less than a day following a violence-filled period in Colombia. The violence included a bomb attack that destroyed a tollbooth on a busy highway in the country’s southwest and left two soldiers slightly injured.

In another military action in Antioquia, northwestern Colombia, the army killed two members of the Gulf Clan faction. This group is accused of killing four soldiers in 2024, according to De la Espriella. Four more from the group were arrested.

“There will be no truce for criminals, and we will hunt them down,” declared De la Espriella.

The conservative-leaning president emphasized that his security strategy includes intensifying military pressure against organized crime. This represents a significant policy shift from his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who supported controversial peace talks.