The United States took a big step on Friday by placing sanctions on a former Colombian general, Mario Montoya, accusing him of being involved in the killing of civilians who were falsely reported as enemy combatants. This move, announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, means Montoya and his family can no longer travel to the U.S.
Montoya isn’t just any general. He once led the Colombian army and was a close ally of then-president Alvaro Uribe during a time when Colombia’s government was fiercely battling the FARC, a powerful leftist guerrilla group. But in 2023, Montoya found himself in hot water when a special Colombian court charged him with crimes against humanity. He was accused of being linked to the deaths or disappearances of 130 civilians who were wrongfully reported as having died in clashes with guerrilla fighters.
This case comes against the backdrop of Colombia’s long, troubled history of violence. For decades, the country was torn apart by battles between the government, rebel groups, and paramilitary forces often tied to drug trafficking. Things seemed to take a turn for the better in 2016, when FARC and the government reached a peace deal. FARC agreed to disarm, which significantly reduced violence.
However, the peace didn’t last for everyone. Some FARC fighters refused to put down their weapons and continued their fight. Adding to the chaos, another guerrilla group, the ELN, and various drug cartels have kept the violence alive.
The U.S. says it’s committed to helping Colombia achieve lasting peace, focusing on the needs of victims and survivors of the conflict. But the road to peace is anything but smooth.
Earlier this year, a 10-year-old boy tragically lost his life during a drone attack in the town of El Plateado, a hotbed for a rebel group that broke away from FARC. Guerrilla fighters are increasingly using drones to drop explosives on their enemies, turning even everyday technology into weapons. The Colombian army has reported several drone attacks recently, although most haven’t resulted in deaths. Meanwhile, the government is using drones to keep an eye on the rebels.
It’s a complicated and heartbreaking situation, but the world is watching as Colombia continues to fight for peace and justice. The U.S.’s actions against Montoya signal that accountability is crucial in this journey.
