Colombian Military Faces Hostage Crisis Amid Failed Operations Against FARC Dissidents

In Colombia's ongoing struggle against narcoterrorism, a recent military operation has taken a dark turn. While government forces succeeded in killing Willinton Vanegas Leyva, known as alias 'Dumar' or 'Chito', a leading commander of the FARC dissident faction 'Martín Villa', the cost was high: 34 Colombian soldiers were kidnapped by armed civilians during the aftermath of combat in El Retorno's rural area of Guaviare.This alarming incident exposes not only the continued strength and ruthlessness of narco-guerrilla factions but also reveals critical vulnerabilities in handling post-conflict scenarios where civilian populations may act in defiance—or under coercion—from these criminal networks. Defense Minister...