Tue Nov 11 22:58:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered a military offensive, including airstrikes, against a dissident ex-FARC group led by Ivan Mordisco in the Amazon region. This action follows failed peace negotiations and comes amid criticism of Petro’s softer approach to drug-trafficking groups and unprecedented U.S. sanctions against him and his close associates, although no direct evidence links him to drug trafficking. The U.S. sanctions are an unusual move, typically reserved for drug kingpins and human rights abusers. The strikes resulted in the reported deaths of 19 fighters.

News Article:

Colombia Launches Military Offensive Against Rebel Group Amid U.S. Sanctions

Bogotá, Colombia – November 12, 2025 – The Colombian military launched a major offensive against a dissident guerrilla group operating in the Amazon region, resulting in the reported deaths of 19 fighters. The operation, which included airstrikes, was ordered by President Gustavo Petro after peace negotiations with the group, led by the country’s most-wanted rebel known as Ivan Mordisco, collapsed.

Admiral Francisco Cubides confirmed the strikes took place on November 10th, stating they were in response to an imminent rebel attack on military targets. President Petro has vowed the “bombing and military dissolution” of the group.

The Central General Staff (EMC), led by Mordisco, is a faction that rejected the 2016 peace deal with the Colombian government and has since grown in power through drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining.

The offensive comes as President Petro faces mounting criticism for his engagement strategy with armed cocaine-producing groups. Critics argue his approach has allowed cartels and guerrilla groups to expand their operations.

Adding further pressure, the United States recently imposed unprecedented sanctions on President Petro, his wife, son, and a top aide, accusing them of enabling drug cartels. The sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes, are a highly unusual move, typically reserved for individuals directly involved in drug trafficking or human rights abuses. The U.S. government has not provided direct evidence linking Petro to drug trafficking.

The relationship between Petro and former U.S. President Trump has been strained in recent months. While Petro is constitutionally barred from running for reelection, the controversy surrounding the sanctions and his policies poses a significant challenge to his political allies ahead of next year’s elections.

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