In short
- Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally authorised an air strike in Antioquia province, north-west Colombia, that killed eight people.
- Among the dead was Haminton Mosquera, whom de la Espriella described as a senior Gulf Clan member and one of 10 priority targets for Colombia’s security forces.
- De la Espriella was elected in June after campaigning on a promise to crack down on Colombia’s criminal gangs, including by launching air strikes.
- The United States has added the Gulf Clan to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
- Less than a month after taking office, de la Espriella published a video showing him walking among 23 body bags containing the remains of 23 people killed in an air strike on a suspected guerrilla camp.
Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally authorised an air strike in Antioquia province, north-west Colombia, that killed eight people, including Haminton Mosquera, a senior Gulf Clan member the president described as one of the security forces’ 10 priority targets.
Who was Haminton Mosquera?
De la Espriella said Mosquera had been “brought down” in the bombing. In a post on X, the president said Mosquera was suspected of ordering attacks against the security forces, including the murder of a police officer in the municipality of Tarazá.
What is the Gulf Clan?
Colombia’s largest criminal gang, the Gulf Clan, has been engaged in criminal activity for decades, mainly trafficking cocaine from Colombia to destinations in the United States and Europe, but also illegal mining and people smuggling. The United States added the group to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations last year.
What has de la Espriella promised on security?
De la Espriella was elected in June after campaigning on a promise to crack down on Colombia’s powerful criminal gangs, including by launching air strikes. In his post, he said that “the offensive won’t stop” and vowed to regain control of areas currently controlled by criminal organisations such as the Gulf Clan.
Why has his messaging drawn criticism?
The offensive has been welcomed by many people living in areas where extortion and gang violence are rampant, but de la Espriella has faced criticism over the way he has made some of his announcements on security. Less than a month after taking office, he published a video showing him walking among 23 body bags containing the remains of 23 people killed in an air strike on a suspected guerrilla camp.
What did the president do this week?
On Wednesday he shared a photo of himself writing his campaign slogan, “Welcome to the miracle homeland”, on a bomb. De la Espriella has also defended wearing an army uniform at a recent event in Cúcuta, where he confronted a detainee suspected of being a Farc rebel. “What did you make of the bomb I sent you, signed by me?” the president can be heard asking the man. He later told journalists: “I am a soldier of the homeland. That’s why I dress like a soldier, because I came to serve Colombia. Because I honour the heroes, police officers and military.”
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in Colombia’s air strike on the Gulf Clan?
Eight people were killed, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella, who said he personally authorised the bombing in Antioquia province in north-west Colombia.
Who was Haminton Mosquera?
De la Espriella described Mosquera as a senior member of the Gulf Clan and one of 10 priority targets for Colombia’s security forces. The president said Mosquera was suspected of ordering attacks on the security forces, including the murder of a police officer in Tarazá.
What is the Gulf Clan?
The Gulf Clan is Colombia’s largest criminal gang, mainly trafficking cocaine to the United States and Europe and also involved in illegal mining and people smuggling. The United States has added it to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
Why has Abelardo de la Espriella faced criticism over security announcements?
He has been criticised for the way he makes some security announcements, including publishing a video of himself walking among 23 body bags and sharing a photo of himself writing his campaign slogan on a bomb.
With reporting from BBC News.
Stock image, not from the events described. City Skyline — Joe deSousa / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)
