President Abelardo De La Espriella announced a hardline security shift involving military operations and prison transfers, highlighted by the capture of Héctor Bastidas Bravo, alias Bonito or Boni, the second-in-command of the Comandos de Frontera, in Guamal, Meta, according to official statements released on August 8, 2026.
Military Capture of Alias Bonito in Meta
The Ejército Nacional, through the Gaula department of Meta, captured Héctor Bastidas Bravo, known as alias Bonito or Boni, in the municipality of Guamal, Meta. According to the Mindefensa and military announcements, the operation was executed by the Gaula Militares Meta and Putumayo in coordination with the FiscaliaCol under a judicial order and intelligence work. Authorities state that alias Bonito served as the second cabecilla of the GAO-r Comandos de Frontera.
The Ministry of Defense and military commands noted that the suspect coordinated drug trafficking activities and attacks against the Fuerza Pública and the civilian population across Putumayo, Amazonas, Nariño, and Ecuador. Furthermore, the Ejército indicated that alias Bonito played a significant role in attempting to recover and consolidate areas in dispute with rival criminal structures, preserving control over strategic drug corridors.
Did You Know? The capture in Guamal, Meta, targeted the second-in-command of the Comandos de Frontera, an armed structure operating in Putumayo and border regions with Ecuador and Peru.
Security Policy Shifts and Prison Transfers
President Abelardo De La Espriella framed the operation on his X account as a demonstration of state authority, declaring that impunity for criminals has ended. This enforcement action coincides with the administration’s broader decision to relocate 117 leaders of criminal structures who were linked to peace negotiations under the prior government of Gustavo Petro. These individuals are being moved from the prison in Itagüí to various maximum-security facilities.
The administration’s directives aim to prevent inmates from continuing criminal operations from behind bars. President De La Espriella stated that under his leadership in the Casa de Nariño, prisons will no longer function as operational headquarters for criminal organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is alias Bonito and what group does he belong to?
According to the Ejército Nacional and Mindefensa, Héctor Bastidas Bravo, also known as alias Bonito or Boni, is the second-in-command of the Comandos de Frontera.
Where was alias Bonito captured?
The operation took place in the municipality of Guamal, located in the department of Meta, according to reports from the military and the Ministry of Defense.
What action was taken regarding jailed criminal leaders?
President Abelardo De La Espriella ordered the transfer of 117 leaders of criminal structures from the prison in Itagüí to separate maximum-security facilities to stop them from directing criminal activities from prison.
How will these military operations and prison transfers impact regional security in the southern departments of Colombia?
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