Abelardo renewed the military leadership and promises a total offensive against narco-terrorism in Colombia

The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, officialized the new military leadership this Thursday, August 20 with a strong message: to regain security, combat criminal groups without respite, and strengthen the presence of the State in all regions of the country. The change in command represents one of the main bets of his government to face the growing threat of illegal armed organizations.

During a ceremony held at the Paraíso Battalion in Barranquilla, the president introduced the new commanders of the Military Forces, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. De la Espriella stated that to defeat crime, it is essential to have the best soldiers and made it clear that his administration will not allow illegal groups to find spaces to operate freely.

''They will have nowhere to hide, they will have no respite,'' affirmed the president, who promised to pursue criminal organizations permanently and restore order from the regions to the neighborhoods of the main cities and towns of Colombia.

One of the most significant appointments was that of Major General Erick Rodríguez Aparicio as the new commander general of the Military Forces. His return to active service had been anticipated after leaving the institution during the government of the communist Gustavo Petro amid questions related to the security situation and the actions of illegal armed groups.

Rodríguez has extensive military experience and has held positions such as deputy chief of the Joint Operations Staff, second commander of the Army, and commander of the First Division. His training includes studies in Military Sciences, business administration, politics, international security, and defense.

As Chief of the Joint Staff, Major General Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gómez was confirmed, who has national and international experience. His background includes serving as a liaison officer in the Multinational Force and Observers in Sinai, commanding the Dragon Task Force in Caldas, and roles in the United States Southern Command.

The National Army will be under the command of Major General José Bertulfo Soto Sánchez, a military officer with over three decades of experience and participation in operations in departments historically affected by the presence of illegal armed groups, including Arauca, Cauca, Putumayo, Caquetá, and Tolima. His career includes commanding various infantry units and mobile brigades.

Brigadier General Rodolfo Morales Franco will take over as the second commander of the Army, bringing experience in counterinsurgency operations and in leading different military units.

The renewal also extends to the National Navy. Vice Admiral Javier Jaimes Pinilla will assume command of the institution, becoming the first officer to reach that position after having commanded the Naval Force of the Amazon. His career is particularly linked to river operations, border security, and international cooperation.

One of the most important symbolic changes announced by De la Espriella was the return of the traditional name of Colombian Air Force (FAC), replacing the designation Colombian Aerospace Force. The president also appointed Major General Juan Jaime Martínez Ossa as the commander of the institution.

Martínez Ossa has 36 years of service and more than 7,000 flight hours. He has commanded combat and transport aircraft and held positions related to air operations and support for the Military Forces, which brings extensive operational experience to the new leadership of the FAC.

The team is completed with Major General Juan Mosquera Dueñas as the second commander of the Air Force, Major General Rafael Olaya Quintero as the second commander of the Navy, and General Óscar Leonel Murillo as the director of the Superior War School.

De la Espriella defined a clear mission for the new commanders: to protect citizens, defend national sovereignty, and guarantee security in every corner of the country. The president also insisted that the Military Forces must act with firmness, professionalism, and respect for the law.

The renewal of the military leadership thus marks a shift towards a more aggressive security policy against crime. With experienced commanders in operations against armed groups and an explicit presidential directive to grant them no respite, De la Espriella's government seeks to regain territories, strengthen state authority, and restore a greater sense of security to Colombians.