Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has sparked widespread criticism for his decision to walk among the bodies of alleged dissidents killed in a recent military operation, an action deemed by critics as necropolitical.
The controversy stems from a video shared on his social media profile following the so-called Operation “Azarías“, conducted on August 30 against dissident groups led by Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, alias Iván Mordisco.
The footage shows de la Espriella surrounded by corpses laid out on the ground alongside seized weapons, an act many have labeled as an unnecessary spectacle.
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Critics have compared the visual style of the video to that used by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who often showcased aerial footage of attacks on supposed drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. This comes just a week after the Colombian government adopted a similar aesthetic to that of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, sharing images of shaven prisoners during penal transfers.
Les prometí enfrentar el terrorismo sin contemplaciones y estoy cumpliendo.
No vine a contemporizar con asesinos, extorsionistas y reclutadores de menores. Vine a derrotarlos con toda la fuerza legítima de las armas de la República y el imperio de la ley.
Junto al ministro de… pic.twitter.com/oEFDYm8MkC
— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) September 2, 2026
Text reads: “I promised them to face terrorism without contemplation and I am fulfilling it. I am not here to coexist with murderers, extortionists and child recruiters. I came to defeat them with all the legitimate force of the Republic’s weapons and the rule of law. (…) Our offensive does not stop tomorrow or next week. The order to our commanders is clear: take back every corner of the national territory and restore peace to the Colombians. Long live Christ the King! Stand with the Homeland!”
During the presentation of the operation’s results in Guaviare, de la Espriella celebrated the operation as one of the most significant in 12 years, confirming the deaths of 23 alleged dissidents, including the leader of the Carolina Ramírez structure, alias “Tigre.” He also announced the capture of six individuals, the rescue of a minor, and the seizure of 28 rifles and four machine guns.
The President’s visit to Guaviare, his first to the Amazon region since taking office, coincides with a series of military actions. His government has ordered three bombings against armed groups, two of which were conducted in the Amazon region.
Despite local support from San José del Guaviare’s mayor, Willy Rodríguez, de la Espriella chose not to meet with local mayors during his visit, focusing public attention on the controversial event broadcast on official channels.
The current administration’s security strategy prioritizes military might over dialogue with armed groups. In this sense, De la Espriella has also announced the definitive cancellation of talks with two FARC-EP dissident groups and the Self-Defense Forces “Conquistadors of the Sierra Nevada” (ACSN).
This decision marks a departure from the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, who advocated for dialogue, victim support, and negotiated solutions for peace and national reconciliation. De la Espriella’s administration argues that these groups lack a verifiable commitment to peace, reintegration into civilian life, or submission to justice.
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