Colombian Military Strikes Against FARC Dissident Group

The Colombian government reported a significant military operation against dissidents of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). A key figure, known as alias “Ruso” or “Alemán”, was killed along with three subordinates in a rural area of Meta department. This operation marks one of the first military actions under the leadership of President Abelardo de la Espriella.

In a statement released on social media, President De la Espriella called the operation an ‘important blow’ against criminal elements. The slain leader was identified as an expert in explosives and had been responsible for attacks against rival dissident groups in the competition for territorial control to support illicit activities. The targeted faction operates under the command of alias “Iván Mordisco,” one of Colombia’s most wanted individuals. The president urged Mordisco to surrender or face consequences.

The announcement came two days after De la Espriella took office and shortly after a violence-filled day in the country. The incidents included an attack with explosives on a toll booth in a busy highway in southwest Colombia, in which two soldiers sustained minor injuries.

In another military action in Antioquia, located in northwestern Colombia, two members of the Clan del Golfo faction were killed on Sunday, targets involved in the murder of four soldiers in 2024. Four additional members were arrested during the operation.

President De la Espriella, who leans toward conservative policies, stated, ‘There will be no truce for the criminals, and we will hunt them down.’ His security strategy differs significantly from his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who pursued controversial peace dialogues. De la Espriella intends to increase military pressure on organized crime.