Colombia’s De la Espriella launches anti-cartel operation, killing six
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Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella launched military operations against drug cartels days after taking office, with security forces killing six armed suspects in Antioquia department in the northwest. The operation targeted members of a FARC splinter group and the Clan del Golfo cartel. The offensive comes even as a bombing near Cali on his first day killed a police officer, underscoring persistent violence.
The Offensive
De la Espriella, who campaigned on a hardline security platform, ordered the military and police to conduct operations he said were blocked by the previous administration under Gustavo Petro. In Antioquia, forces killed six suspects: four from a FARC splinter group and two from the Clan del Golfo cartel. The president said there would be no truce and promised to build high-security mega-prisons modeled on El Salvador’s facilities.
Cali, Explosions Shadow Inauguration
De la Espriella’s inauguration was held in Cali, a city with one of the country’s highest crime rates, to send a symbolic message. On the same day, two explosions at a toll station near the city killed a police officer and wounded several others. Authorities attributed the bombing to a FARC faction, highlighting the persistent insurgent and cartel threat.
What's Next
De la Espriella’s government is expected to launch further operations in other regions, but it remains unclear whether the escalated offensive will weaken cartel networks or provoke retaliatory violence.
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Colombia’s De la Espriella launches anti-cartel operation, killing six
