De la Espriella presents new military leadership to combat crime in Colombia

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella unveiled a new military high command on Thursday, tasking them with the critical mission of restoring national security and confronting illegal armed groups with unwavering resolve. The announcement came during an event in Barranquilla, where the president reaffirmed his administration's security policy, which began on August 7. He explicitly ruled out any possibility of negotiations with criminal organizations.

The newly appointed leadership includes Major General Erick Rodríguez Aparicio as the new Commander General of the Military Forces and Major General Carlos Carrasquilla Gómez as the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rodríguez Aparicio's return to active service follows a period of separation from the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations position in June under the previous administration. His earlier departure stemmed from allegations that FARC dissidents were pressuring civilians in Meta and Guaviare to influence electoral processes.

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I am surrounding myself with the best soldiers, the best generals to win this war against criminality. We will bring peace to our people, but not the peace negotiated with bandits by kneeling the State. The peace that is imposed with the force of arms and the laws of the Republic.

The restructuring extends to the leadership of the various branches within the defense sector. Major General José Bertulfo Soto Sánchez will command the National Army, supported by Brigadier General Rodolfo Morales Franco. Vice Admiral Javier Alfonso Jaimes Pinilla will lead the National Navy, with Major General Rafael Olaya Quintero as second in command. The Air Force will be headed by Major General Juan Martínez Ossa, assisted by Major General Juan Mosquera Dueñas. The Air Force will also revert to its former designation, the Colombian Air Force (FAC).

President De la Espriella emphasized the operational direction for the armed forces under his command, stating, “I am surrounding myself with the best soldiers, the best generals to win this war against criminality. We will bring peace to our people, but not the peace negotiated with bandits by kneeling the State. The peace that is imposed with the force of arms and the laws of the Republic.” He stressed that the new military leadership has the historic responsibility to command professional and firm armed forces, committed to the constitution and law, and determined to confront all threats to national security.

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This new high command will have the historic responsibility of leading firm, professional armed forces, respectful of the Constitution and the law, and determined to confront all threats to national security.