Colombia authorizes extradition of two guerrilla leaders to US

Posted on 8/28/2026, 9:25 AM AST | Updated on 8/28/2026, 9:26 AM AST

BOGOTÁ – Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella authorized the extradition of Willinton Henao Gutiérrez, known as “Mocho Olmedo”, and Geovany Andrés Rojas, known as “Araña”, to the United States on August 26.

Both are alleged leaders of FARC dissident groups and are wanted by US authorities for offences involving drug trafficking, weapons and narcoterrorism.

The complete presidential decision covers five alleged criminal leaders. Three are in Colombian custody, while Gabriel Yepes Mejía, known as “H.H.”, and Fredy Castillo Carrillo, known as “Pinocho”, remain fugitives.

Their extraditions were approved in 2025, but the transfers were suspended because they were participating in peace negotiations under the previous government of Gustavo Petro.