Colombia’s military has reportedly killed nine guerrilla fighters in a targeted bombing operation conducted near the Venezuelan border, according to sources from the country’s defense ministry. The operation took place in Arauca province and aligns with President Gustavo Petro’s escalating campaign against armed groups linked to cocaine trafficking, a move prompted by growing domestic and international criticism regarding his previous handling of these organizations.
Local reports have indicated that authorities are investigating whether the strike eliminated Antonio Medina, a prominent rebel commander implicated in a violent conflict between factions of former FARC fighters and the National Liberation Army (ELN). This bombing operation follows a series of earlier airstrikes conducted in the Amazon region, which resulted in the deaths of 19 members of a splinter group from ex-FARC.
President Petro, who assumed office in 2022, has faced significant backlash for his perceived inaction against drug-related violence. His administration has been scrutinized not only internally but also externally, with the United States imposing unprecedented sanctions in October against him, along with several close associates. These sanctions accused Petro and his family of facilitating the operations of drug cartels, though no direct evidence has been publicly provided linking him to drug trafficking activities.
Earlier in his presidency, Petro favored negotiating with well-armed cocaine-producing groups rather than pursuing aggressive military tactics, a strategy that has drawn criticism as he seeks to maintain stability and peace in a country deeply affected by drug-related violence. Even though he is barred from seeking a second presidential term, the fallout from this criticism could adversely affect the political prospects for his allies in the upcoming elections.
