Why Colombia’s new right-wing president is losing the battle against organized crime groups

Why Colombia’s new right-wing president is losing the battle against organized crime groups

Author: Pirate Wire Services September 24, 2026 Duration: 20:50

Colombia's new ultra-right wing President, Abelardo de la Espriella, has said he is going to put all of Colombia’s armed groups in body-bags, but he is already suffering considerable setbacks.

Both history and current dynamics suggest that there is no purely military solution to ongoing conflict in the country, and a hostile shut-down of an entire city, and indeed region this week illustrates exactly why.

Many of the groups being targeted have decades of experience resisting the same military operations that De la Espriella is employing, including under his predecesor, Gustavo Petro.

Find out more, as well as what is currently going on in a region where “iron hand” strategies may be fomenting conflict rather than making security gains, on this week’s episode of Pirate Wire Radio.

Thomas Garrison runs the Substack Armed Groups of Colombia.

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Hosted by Joshua Collins, Pirate Wire Radio delivers original journalism focused on the complex realities of Latin America. This isn't a surface-level recap of headlines; it's a deep, narrative-driven exploration of the forces shaping the region. Each episode moves beyond the news cycle to connect political shifts and economic currents with the deeply human stories unfolding on the ground. You'll hear about crime, the drug trade, cultural movements, and societal changes, all presented through rigorous reporting and firsthand perspectives. The podcast aims to provide context often missing from mainstream coverage, weaving together analysis of current events with documentary-style storytelling. For anyone seeking to understand the true texture of life and power across Latin America, from boardrooms and government palaces to street corners and rural communities, this show offers an essential, unvarnished listen. Tune in for a compelling and nuanced portrait of a dynamic part of the world, delivered directly through your preferred podcast app.
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