Colombia Faces 111 Armed Attacks Under New Administration
President Abelardo de la Espriella's security strategy faces persistent challenges from armed groups.
1Security Strategy Transition
President Abelardo de la Espriella assumed office on August 7, 2026, ending previous peace dialogue frameworks. His administration launched a new security strategy focused on military offensives, including intensified bombings and captures. This shift aims to regain territorial control, yet the government faces significant resistance from established illegal armed groups nationwide.
2High Frequency of Attacks
A report by the Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation (Pares) documented 111 armed actions between August 7 and October 31, 2026. Frequent incidents include combat operations and drone attacks targeting the Public Force. These events highlight the persistent operational capacity of groups like the ELN and EMC dissidents.
3Regional Conflict Hotspots
Violence remains concentrated in the country's southwest and northeast regions. Cauca, Nariño, Valle del Cauca, and Norte de Santander are primary areas of concern. In these territories, armed groups frequently target critical infrastructure, including bridges and toll booths, while engaging in direct combat with state troops to maintain their regional influence.
4Military Operational Metrics
During the first 60 days of the administration, the government reported 32,029 arrests, the seizure of 135 tons of narcotics, and the confiscation of 3,414 firearms. Despite these significant figures presented to the United Nations, the overall impact on reducing violence remains under evaluation as armed groups continue their tactical responses.
5Humanitarian Impact Escalation
The ongoing confrontation has severely affected civilian populations through confinements, forced displacements, and homicides. In August alone, Pares recorded 106 members of the Public Force killed or wounded, marking one of the highest monthly figures since 2022. Rural communities suffer from restricted access to essential food supplies and suspended school activities.
6Drone Warfare Challenges
The use of drones loaded with explosives has emerged as a critical threat to national security. On November 8, 2026, an attack on a military base in Santa Rosa del Sur resulted in three soldiers killed and over a dozen wounded. The government attributed this specific action to the ELN insurgency.
7Urban and Rural Pressure
Beyond rural zones, urban centers like Cúcuta face heightened security concerns following targeted killings. The Defensoría del Pueblo maintains early warnings across multiple departments, including Amazonas, Putumayo, and Chocó. These alerts reflect the persistent risks posed by illegal structures that continue to disrupt daily life and local commerce across various regions.
8Evaluation of Security Goals
As the administration approaches its 100-day milestone on November 15, the balance shows an active state offensive contrasted by resilient armed groups. While the government emphasizes territorial recovery, the persistence of combat and infrastructure attacks suggests that the promise to restore total security remains a complex and ongoing national challenge.
Original article: Infobae — Colombia Faces 111 Armed Attacks Under New Administration