Colombian security forces have killed a senior commander of a dissident faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) during a military offensive in the central part of the country, authorities have confirmed.
Hernando Forero Mosquera, reportedly the leader of the group known as Frente 28, was among several suspected members of armed organisations killed during weekend operations.
The development came shortly after President Abelardo de la Espriella assumed office on Friday, promising a tougher campaign against criminal networks and illegal armed organisations operating across Colombia.
De la Espriella said the deaths demonstrated the determination of his administration to pursue those responsible for violence and organised crime.
During his presidential campaign, he pledged an uncompromising response to what he described as “narco-terrorism”, including the possible use of air power against criminal targets.
Military intelligence identified Forero, also known by the nickname “El Ruso”, as an explosives specialist and a leading figure within Frente 28.
The faction emerged from the Farc, which reached a historic peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016.
Although thousands of Farc combatants surrendered their weapons under the accord, several factions rejected the settlement and continued their armed activities.
Many of the groups that later emerged have become involved in the cocaine trade, illegal mining and other illicit businesses.
Their activities have contributed significantly to renewed insecurity in several parts of Colombia.
The new government’s strategy represents a sharp departure from that of former President Gustavo Petro, who sought to reduce violence through negotiations with armed organisations under his “total peace” initiative.
Those efforts produced limited results, with several groups accused of violating temporary ceasefires and abandoning negotiations.
Violence has continued since de la Espriella took office.
On Saturday, a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a toll facility in Cauca province, leaving two security personnel injured.
In Cesar province, meanwhile, a police officer was killed after explosives were reportedly released from a drone.
In a social media video, de la Espriella praised the armed forces for the operation against Forero.
He said three other suspected Frente 28 members were also killed during the offensive in a rural part of Meta province.
Authorities reported further military action in Antioquia, where two alleged members of the Gulf Clan, one of Colombia’s most powerful criminal organisations, were killed in a separate operation.
De la Espriella’s security agenda has received strong support from Washington.
US President Donald Trump previously endorsed his presidential campaign.
The US State Department announced on Friday that it intended to provide about $1 billion (£740 million) in security assistance to Colombia under the new administration.
Washington has also welcomed Colombia into the “Shield of the Americas”, a US-backed partnership involving countries across the Western Hemisphere that aims to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking organisations and cross-border criminal networks.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong