Security update
October 11: a helicopter shortage and an arrest for forcing children into the dissidents
Here's what happened since the last update, and what each one means.
1Fewer than half the Army's helicopters are flying
On October 10, El Tiempo reported that 45 of the Army's 108 helicopters are operational and 63 aren't. Of 20 MI-17s, 8 are operational. Of 53 Black Hawks, 22 are working. Across all the Military Forces, 227 of 510 aircraft are operational (44.5%). Unnamed defense sources told El Tiempo the shortage forced a review of how operations are planned, including those against Iván Mordisco and Calarcá, and that knowing where they are "doesn't guarantee the troops can get there." One source says the problem deepened under the previous government because of trouble with maintenance and spare parts. The article carries no response from the Army, the Defense Ministry or the president.
What it meansThe groups operate in jungle and mountains, where troops go in by helicopter. With fewer than half the aircraft flying, the offensive can't reach every target it finds.
2FARC dissidents seen patrolling Indigenous land in Caldono, Cauca
On October 9, around 5 PM, the Indigenous guard (guardia indígena) on patrol in Caldono found men it says belong to the Dagoberto Ramos structure of the FARC dissidents. A video shows uniformed, armed men in the back of a pickup on a road. The local Nasa councils declared maximum alert. The guard held 2 white Toyota pickups, a Nissan 4x4 and 2 large motorcycles, citing its own 2024 rule that bans armed groups from crossing its territory. The councils hold Dagoberto Ramos responsible for "any harassment, threat or attack," and asked the Ombudsman's Office (Defensoría del Pueblo) and the national government for protection.
What it meansThe guard is enforcing its own ban with no weapons against an armed group, and it has already said who it will blame if it's attacked.
3"Chichero," accused of forcing children into the dissidents, captured in Cauca
On Saturday, October 10, alias "Chichero" was captured on a court order in Santander de Quilichao. He's accused of finding minors for the same Dagoberto Ramos front and moving them into it. Defense Minister Jorge Mora said he used deception and offers of money, and had an Interpol blue notice. No full name or number of children was given. The president wrote: "The recruitment of minors is an execrable crime. In my Government, those who commit it will face the full weight of the law."
What it meansIt's the second arrest reported on October 10 of someone accused of forcing children into the dissidents, after "María José" in Guaviare.
4397 kilos of cocaine found near the Ecuador border, with the DEA
The Police, the Army and the DEA, with the Fiscalía, raided a site in La Victoria, in rural Ipiales, Nariño, within 10 km of the Llano Grande and San Antonio border crossings. They found 397 kilos of cocaine hidden in boxes of contraband cigarettes and moved in trucks. Authorities presume a link to the Segunda Marquetalia's Walter Mendoza faction. No arrests were reported. Twice, residents blocked roads and burned tires to keep the troops from leaving with the cocaine.
What it meansThe DEA is working on the ground with the police and the army on the Ecuador border, and the cocaine was moving inside the contraband cigarette trade.
On social media
His "Chichero" post drew 39,000 views and 2,200 likes. The replies were mostly supportive, with few likes. The most-liked (17) is an image of a Bukele quote: if they don't remove the corrupt judges, they can't fix the country. Distrust of the courts keeps coming up. Support: "No child should grow up afraid that an armed group will take them. Protecting them has to be a priority every day, in every corner of the country." (11 likes) One wants a tougher charge: "These criminals must be captured, but prosecuted not for recruitment but for kidnapping, with aggravating circumstances!" (8 likes) And: "Under Petro the recruiters had a dialog table; under Abelardo they have handcuffs. That's how you protect children." (1 like) The questions: "The uncomfortable question: how many more 'Chicheros' are still operating in Cauca?" And: "President, why is nothing happening in Arauca?" His Air Force investigation post from Saturday afternoon kept growing overnight: 523,000 views and 16,300 likes, his biggest post in days. He posted nothing on the helicopter shortage, Caldono or Ipiales. This comes from the top replies on X, not a poll.
I support most of this. But it doesn't go far enough. These groups use any space they're given to reset and grow. They need to be crushed, not contained.