Colombian Military Kills 15 Guerrillas After Withdrawal from Peace Talks

The Colombian military reported killing 15 members of a guerrilla group last week in the southwestern department of Cauca, after the rebels withdrew from ongoing peace negotiations with the government. The guerrillas were part of a front under the command of Ivan Mordisco, who had pulled out of the talks following a split in his group, the Central General Staff (EMC).

According to W Radio, the combat took place in Argelia, a municipality in Cauca province. Military officials said the operation dealt the biggest blow against guerrilla groups formed by former FARC fighters since President Gustavo Petro took office in August 2022. The region has seen intense fighting in recent weeks between the National Army and Segunda Marquetalia, another guerrilla faction founded by former FARC commander 'Ivan Marquez.'

Why this matters: The incident highlights the challenges facing Colombia's peace process with rebel groups. It also emphasizes the fragility of the 2016 peace deal with FARC, as some former fighters have returned to arms citing unfulfilled promises by the government.

The EMC is a remnant of the now-defunct FARC guerrilla group, comprising both ex-FARC combatants who rejected the 2016 peace accord and new recruits. The government has been holding preliminary peace discussions with Segunda Marquetalia but has yet to declare a ceasefire to enable formal negotiations. Petro's administration is also engaged in talks with other leftist guerrilla groups, including the National Liberation Army and the Estado Mayor Central, another FARC faction that never accepted the peace deal.

Military sources revealed that the slain guerrillas were overseeing a large drug-growing operation in the area. "The operation took place last week in Cauca department, where the rebels were overseeing a large drug-growing operation," a military official stated. The incident dealt a significant setback to the EMC's activities in the region.

The killing of the 15 guerrillas, just after they withdrew from peace negotiations, underscores the ongoing security challenges in Colombia despite the 2016 peace agreement. As the government pushes forward with talks with various rebel factions, the military continues to confront groups that remain active in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. The incident in Cauca serves as a sobering reminder of the difficulties in achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Colombian military killed 15 FARC dissidents who withdrew from peace talks.
• Incident occurred in Cauca, a region with ongoing fighting between military and rebels.
• Killed rebels were overseeing a large drug-growing operation in the area.
• Challenges facing Colombia's peace process with rebel groups, as some former FARC members return to arms.
• Incident underscores difficulties in achieving comprehensive and lasting peace in Colombia.