Colombia's Anti-Government Guerrillas Strengthen Amid Peace Failures

Strategic Insights -

Colombia's peace process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been complicated by the emergence of renegade factions that have refused to disarm and have instead continued to carry out terror attacks. Despite initial hopes for a peaceful resolution, these factions have grown stronger under President Gustavo Petro's administration, which has attempted to negotiate with multiple illegal groups simultaneously. This strategy has allowed the renegade groups to gain territory and power in areas with limited state presence. The recent attacks, including a car bombing and a helicopter downing, have resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people and have left Colombians shaken.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been overcome by renegade factions that have refused to disarm and continue to carry out terror attacks.
  • These factions have grown stronger under President Gustavo Petro's administration, which has attempted to negotiate with multiple illegal groups simultaneously.
  • Petro's policy has allowed the renegade groups to gain territory and power in areas with historically limited state presence.
  • The use of drones in attacks is a new and worrying trend, allowing insurgents to disrupt the country's airspace without the need for shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles.
  • Police reported 108 drone attacks in Colombia in 2024, while 118 have been reported so far this year.
  • The area under coca leaf cultivation in Colombia reached a record 253,000 hectares (about 625,000 acres) in 2023, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.
  • Over 70 civilians were injured in a vehicle explosion in the southwest city of Cali, and six people were killed.
  • The attack on presidential hopeful Senator Álvaro Uribe Turbay in June has been linked to the resurgence of political violence in Colombia.
  • Colombia's growing security crisis will need to factor into the presidential election in May.

Statistics:

  • 13 police officers died in the helicopter attack.
  • 108 drone attacks were reported in Colombia in 2024.
  • 118 drone attacks have been reported so far this year.
  • The area under coca leaf cultivation in Colombia reached a record 253,000 hectares (about 625,000 acres) in 2023.
  • At least 19 people were killed in the recent attacks.

Sources:

  • AP (2025), BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)
  • Cynthia Arnson, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
  • Will Freeman, fellow for Latin American Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations
  • UN Office on Drugs and Crime (2023)