Colombian President Accuses FARC Dissidents of Acting as a ‘Private Army’ for Mexican Drug Cartels

Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on Wednesday that dissidents of the FARC rebel group are operating as a “private army” for Mexican drug cartels, emphasizing the need to combat these guerrilla groups to protect national sovereignty. His remarks followed a violent attack by FARC dissidents in the Micay Canyon, a region known for armed conflict and cocaine production. The attack left five soldiers dead, three seriously injured, and 13 others suffering from blast wounds.

According to the government, international criminal organizations purchase coca leaves from Colombian farmers, process them into cocaine, and smuggle the drugs with the help of local groups. The Cauca Department, where the incident took place, has been plagued by escalating violence due to drug trafficking and the presence of armed factions, including FARC dissidents and the National Liberation Army. In recent months, there have been increasing attacks on civilians and security forces, including the kidnapping of 28 police officers last week, who were later released through a humanitarian mission.

The Ministry of the Interior also warned that the civilian population is being coerced into opposing law enforcement efforts in the region. The government’s response to these threats remains a critical issue as it seeks to stabilize conflict-prone areas and curb the influence of organized crime in Colombia.