Eight members of Colombia’s largest criminal gang, the Gulf Clan, have been killed in a military air strike in the country’s north-west, President Abelardo de la Espriella has said.

Among the dead was Haminton Mosquera, known as “Negro Perea”, a senior leader of the gang who was described as a priority target. The president said he had personally authorised the bombing.

01. What happened

The strike hit a Gulf Clan camp in Taraza municipality, in the Bajo Cauca region of Antioquia province, as part of a joint operation by the army, police and air force, codenamed Operation Nehemias.

The eight killed included Mosquera, the top leader of a Gulf Clan substructure operating in the area. Troops at the scene seized seven rifles and explosive devices adapted for use with drones, and neutralised three camp areas used by the gang in the Catatumbo region, the president’s office said.

02. Why it matters

De la Espriella was elected in June after campaigning on a promise to crack down on Colombia’s powerful criminal gangs, including by launching air strikes against them. The Gulf Clan, also known as the Clan del Golfo, is the country’s largest criminal organisation.

The strike is part of a wider offensive the president has ordered in departments including Choco, Cauca and Norte de Santander, aimed at restoring security and state authority in areas where armed groups operate.

03. Key takeaways

  • Eight Gulf Clan members were killed in a Colombian military air strike in Antioquia, north-west Colombia.
  • Among the dead was senior leader Haminton Mosquera, known as “Negro Perea”, described as a priority target.
  • President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally authorised the bombing, part of an offensive against criminal gangs he promised during his election campaign.
  • Troops seized seven rifles and drone-adapted explosives at the scene.

04. FAQs

Who is the Gulf Clan?
The Gulf Clan, or Clan del Golfo, is Colombia’s largest criminal gang, involved in drug trafficking, extortion and illegal mining.

Where did the air strike take place?
In Taraza municipality, in the Bajo Cauca region of Antioquia province in north-west Colombia.

Who authorised the strike?
President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally authorised the bombing, part of his promised crackdown on criminal gangs.