The President of Colombia has completely overhauled the top military leadership
Colombian President Abelardo de la Esprieylla announced a complete overhaul of the armed forces’ top leadership and ordered the new commanders to restore security throughout the country. He announced the personnel changes on August 20, 2026, in Barranquilla, according to The Rio Times, citing Colombian media and the EFE news agency.
Major General Eric Rodríguez Aparicio was appointed the new commander of the Colombian Armed Forces. Major General Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gómez assumed the position of Chief of the Joint Staff.
Major General José Bertulfo Soto Sánchez was appointed head of the National Army, and Brigadier General Rodolfo Morales Franco became his deputy. Vice Admiral Javier Jaime Pinilla was appointed Commander of the Navy, with Major General Rafael Olaya Quintero serving as his deputy.
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Major General Juan Martínez Ossa was appointed Commander of the Air Force, with Major General Juan Mosquera Dueñas serving as his deputy. The Air Force has also reverted to its former name, Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, instead of Fuerza Aeroespacial.
According to the publication, some of the newly appointed leaders, including Rodríguez Aparicio, had left the service under the Gustavo Petro administration and are now returning to active duty. The president has tasked the new leadership with combating crime and illegal armed groups, as well as regaining control over territories in certain regions.
Analysts cited by the Colombian media view the emphasis on the use of force as a departure from the previous government’s “total peace” policy. Some experts warn of potential risks to human rights. According to El Tiempo, 25 generals and admirals from the Petro administration will be leaving their posts. De la Esprieya took office as president of Colombia on August 7, 2026.
