Abelardo government launches operation against Iván Mordisco, killing 20 guerrillas in Colombia

Colombia’s new government has opened its promised hard-line campaign against armed criminal groups with its deadliest bombardments since President Abelardo de la Espriella took office, according to the president.

The operation took place at dawn in Guaviare, in southern Colombia, against guerrillas under the command of Iván Mordisco, the country’s most wanted rebel leader. The government said the area was controlled by insurgents.

In a video posted on X, de la Espriella said the strikes had killed 20 people he described as “narcoterrorists.” He also said authorities had captured five people and recovered two minors.

The president, a hard-right leader, had pledged an uncompromising fight against criminal groups financed by narcotics trafficking. The operation gives that promise an early and forceful expression, while placing the new administration’s security policy in direct confrontation with Mordisco’s organization.

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We neutralized 20 narcoterrorists, captured five and recovered two minors.