Colombia Extradites Rebel Leader to US in Security Policy Shift

Colombia has extradited Geovany Andres Rojas, known as “Spider,” to the United States, where he faces drug-trafficking and terrorism-related charges. Rojas is accused of leading Comandos de la Frontera, a FARC-dissident group linked to cocaine trafficking in the border region of Putumayo. Former President Gustavo Petro had delayed the extradition, arguing Rojas was needed for peace talks; President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government lifted the block and ended negotiations with several armed groups, marking a harder-line turn in security policy and closer cooperation with Washington. De la Espriella said Rojas should not be allowed to use negotiations to avoid accountability, while the broader conflict reflects persistent competition among armed groups over drug routes and other illicit businesses.