The Colombian government, under the leadership of President Abelardo de la Espriella, has conducted a significant military offensive resulting in the death of a key figure from a dissident group formerly associated with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The operation took place in the Meta department, central Colombia, as announced by de la Espriella via a video on social media.
The leader, known by the aliases “Ruso” or “Alemán”, was the main figure of “Structure 28”. His death is considered a major success due to his expertise in explosives and his involvement in territorial conflicts with rival dissident groups. These groups engage in illegal activities and compete over control of territories.
This faction is a part of a larger illegal network led by “Iván Mordisco”, one of Colombia’s most wanted individuals. President de la Espriella urged Mordisco to surrender or face consequences. This announcement came just two days into his presidency and followed a day marked by violence, including a bomb attack that destroyed a tollbooth in southwestern Colombia, injuring two soldiers slightly.
In a separate military operation in the Antioquia department, northwest Colombia, the army killed two members of the Clan del Golfo. These members were linked to the murder of four soldiers in 2024. Four additional individuals from the group were captured.
“There will be no truce for the criminals, and we will hunt them down,” asserted de la Espriella. As part of his conservative security strategy, he plans to increase military pressure against organized crime. This represents a shift from the previous administration’s approach under Gustavo Petro, which focused on controversial peace dialogues.