Colombia's Military Strikes Rebel Camp: 19 Confirmed Dead

Wed Nov 12 2025 19:24:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Colombian military executes an airstrike targeting a Farc dissident camp, resulting in the death of 19 individuals. The move signals a significant shift in military strategy under President Petro following the collapse of peace talks.

In a decisive military operation, Colombia's armed forces bombed a suspected rebel camp linked to drug trafficking, leading to the deaths of 19 people. This airstrike, approved by President Gustavo Petro, represents a marked change in policy amid increasing pressure to address the growing drug trade. The target was associated with Iván Mordisco, a notorious figure in the country's ongoing conflict. The operation also resulted in the detention of three individuals and the rescue of three children.

In a significant military operation, Colombia's armed forces executed an airstrike on a suspected rebel camp in Guaviare, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals. This camp is linked to a dissident faction of the Farc rebel group, notorious for its involvement in drug trafficking.

According to Colombian Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez, President Gustavo Petro had previously hesitated to authorize such airstrikes but sanctioned this action following the breakdown of peace talks with various armed groups. This escalation comes amidst accusations from the Trump administration that Petro's government allowed the drug trade to expand, a claim the president firmly denies.

In his remarks, Sánchez emphasized the imminent threat posed by the rebel group to civilian safety and security forces, which necessitated military intervention. The camp targeted was linked to Iván Mordisco, a prominent dissident leader who previously belonged to Farc but left the group during peace negotiations.

Mordisco's faction is considered one of the most powerful rebel entities in Colombia, engaging in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion. During the air strike, authorities also detained three individuals and rescued three children who had been recruited by the group. The troubling trend of forced recruitment of minors by armed factions has seen a concerning rise in Colombia.

Since assuming office, President Petro has aimed to foster peace through dialogue with armed groups, but failed negotiations with Mordisco's faction culminated in violence. The government has attributed blame to this group for a recent explosive attack on a military post in Cali.

Amid heightened pressure from the U.S. to combat drug trafficking—a significant issue for Colombia, the largest global producer of cocaine—Petro's administration finds itself navigating complex international relations. The recent airstrike may represent a turning point in addressing these challenges, particularly as tensions escalate with U.S. policies concerning drug-related military actions.