President Gustavo Petro has ordered a large-scale military offensive against alias 'Iván Mordisco', leader of FARC dissidents in Guaviare. The operations have resulted in 19 presumed dissidents killed, seizures of weaponry, and rescues of minors. This move signals a shift in the 'Total Peace' policy amid stalled dialogue efforts.
President Gustavo Petro announced on his X account a large-scale military offensive against the armed structures led by alias 'Iván Mordisco' in Guaviare department. 'Military offensive against “Iván Mordisco” in Guaviare. I have ordered the bombing and military dissolution of the front located by the Military Forces', the president wrote. This decision aims to dismantle the insurgent front responsible for drug trafficking, forced recruitment, and homicides of social leaders, for which the government offers a reward of five billion pesos.
So far, the operations have resulted in 19 presumed FARC dissidents killed, the seizure of abundant war material and more than twenty rifles, as well as the capture of one presumed dissident. Additionally, several minors were rescued, and other dissident members surrendered voluntarily. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez described the operation as 'decisive' against narcoterrorism, with ongoing actions near Calamar municipality following an authorized bombing.
The targeted structure is part of the closest security ring to 'Mordisco'. The operations, coordinated between the Military Forces and National Police, continue in the area. This front maintains a strong presence in Colombia's Amazonia, including Guaviare, Vaupés, Meta, Vichada, and Amazonas, extending to Cauca and Caquetá, where it is accused of drug trafficking, extortions, and territorial control.
The offensive marks a shift in the 'Total Peace' policy, which initially prioritized dialogue with State Mayor Central (EMC) dissidents but achieved no concrete progress. It adds to previous actions, such as the August operation that killed one of 'Mordisco's trusted men. The government seeks to regain territorial control and assert firmness amid escalating violence in the country's south.