Eight killed in Colombian air strike targeting Gulf Clan

Eight people have been killed in an air strike conducted by the Colombian armed forces that targeted the Gulf Clan, the country's largest criminal syndicate. President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the operation, stating he had personally authorised the bombing in the province of Antioquia in north-west Colombia.

Among those killed was Haminton Mosquera, who the President identified as a senior member of the criminal group and one of 10 "priority targets" for national security forces. According to President de la Espriella, Mosquera was suspected of ordering attacks against security personnel, including the killing of a police officer in the municipality of Tarazá last year.

The President, who was elected in June with a campaign pledge to tackle powerful criminal gangs through measures including air strikes, declared that "the offensive won't stop" in a post on X. He further vowed to reclaim regions currently under the influence of organisations like the Gulf Clan, a group involved in cocaine trafficking to the US and Europe, as well as illegal mining and people smuggling.

The Gulf Clan was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the US last year. While the President’s crackdown has received support from residents in areas plagued by gang violence and extortion, he has faced criticism regarding his communication style.

Less than a month into his term, the President shared a video depicting himself walking among 23 body bags of individuals killed in an air strike on a suspected guerrilla camp. On Wednesday, he also posted a photo showing himself writing the slogan, "Welcome to the miracle homeland" on a bomb.