Colombia Military High Command Replaced as De la Espriella Orders a Territorial Push
President Abelardo de la Espriella replaced the Colombia military high command, ordering a territorial push. New commanders include Major General Erick Rodriguez Aparicio, with a focus on force over total peace. The post Colombia Military High Command Replaced as De la Espriella Orders a Territorial Push appeared first on The Rio Times .
President Abelardo de la Espriella has replaced the entire Colombia military high command, signaling a shift from the previous government's peace policy. Major General Erick Rodriguez Aparicio now leads the Military Forces, while Major General Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gomez heads the Joint Staff. Major General Jose Bertulfo Soto Sanchez commands the National Army, and Vice Admiral Javier Jaimes Pinilla leads the Navy.
Major General Juan Martinez Ossa oversees the Air Force, with Major General Juan Mosquera Duenas as his deputy. The Aerospace Force will revert to its former name, Fuerza Aerea Colombiana. President de la Espriella instructed the new commanders to restore security nationwide, combat crime with state support, and confront illegal armed groups to regain control of territories.
Some returning officers, including Rodriguez Aparicio, bring previous service experience, while others are new to active duty. Analysts view the emphasis on force as a departure from the 'paz total' or total peace policy. While supporters see this as a necessary response to insecurity, some raise concerns about potential human rights risks.
The high command change marks a decisive security agenda for the new president, who took office on 7 August 2026, succeeding Gustavo Petro.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
