Weekly Report - 03 September 2026 (WR-26-35)

President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered a major security operation against illegal armed groups in Colombia. To this point, De la Espriella’s attention has been absorbed by the earthquake that struck Colombia directly after his investiture on 7 August. But he is now taking steps to deliver on a campaign promise to jettison the ‘total peace’ initiative of former president Gustavo Petro (2022-2026) and launch an armed offensive against the groups his predecessor tried unsuccessfully to dismantle through words around the negotiating table rather than force of arms.