In a decisive move, the newly sworn-in president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, ordered a military operation that led to the elimination of Hernando Forero Mosquera, an alleged leader of a dissident faction from a left-wing rebel group. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling illegal armed groups in Colombia, announced by the president shortly after assuming office. The government has identified these groups as key contributors to the resurgence of violence in the country, with many involved in cocaine trafficking and illegal mining activities. De la Espriella's approach contrasts sharply with his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who advocated a "total peace" strategy emphasizing negotiations over confrontation. However, Petro's attempts at negotiation were met with repeated ceasefire violations by illegal organizations. The elimination of Forero, known as "El ruso," was praised by de la Espriella and follows a series of explosive attacks on security personnel in Cauca and Cesar provinces just a day after he took office. The president also announced the killing of two alleged members of another criminal group, the Gulf Clan, in a separate offensive. De la Espriella's hardline approach against criminal groups has garnered support from US President Donald Trump, who has pledged $1bn in security assistance to Colombia and welcomed it into the US-led alliance known as "Shield of the Americas," aimed at combating drug trafficking gangs and transnational crime.