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Colombia’s Military Kills 28 in Two Strikes as U.S. Tensions Deepen

U.S. pressure over cocaine trafficking sets the backdrop for Bogotá’s deadliest operations under Petro.

Overview

  • Army bombardments this week killed 19 suspected FARC dissidents in the Amazon and nine in Arauca near the Venezuelan border, the heaviest toll since 2022.
  • The Colombian ombudsman reported six minors were among those killed in the Amazon strike, saying they had been forcibly recruited, as the defense minister urged caution but defended the operation.
  • President Gustavo Petro announced a halt to intelligence-sharing on November 11 before his government said cooperation would continue two days later, leaving U.S. involvement in these specific raids unconfirmed.
  • Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said the United States has participated in bombings under this administration, while Washington has tightened pressure, revoked Colombia’s anti-narcotics ally status, and expanded its regional military posture.
  • Officials say the targets were dissident factions tied to Iván Mordisco, and local authorities are investigating whether rebel figure Antonio Medina was among the dead in Arauca.