Geovany Andres Rojas, a Colombian warlord known as ‘Araña’ (‘The Spider’), has been extradited to the United States, facing drug trafficking and terrorism charges. Formerly shielded from extradition by Colombia’s past administration under President Gustavo Petro, Rojas’ transfer marks a significant change in strategy under the new conservative leadership.
Rojas was a key figure in Comandos de la Frontera, a rebel group active in cocaine trafficking in the Putumayo region, close to Ecuador and Peru. His extradition had been delayed while he served as a peace negotiator under Petro’s government. Rojas’ protection was lifted by Colombia’s newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella, who emphasized stricter security policies.
‘You don’t build peace by protecting narco-terrorists like this bandit,’ stated de la Espriella. He personally oversaw Rojas’ transfer to U.S. custody and urged American authorities to ensure that any negotiations do not shield Rojas from accountability.
The U.S. Justice Department has released a photo of Rojas in custody upon his arrival. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon underscored the collaborative effort with Colombia to tackle narcoterrorism, stating the operation begins with Rojas.
Rojas was initially captured in Bogota in February 2025, with Colombia’s Supreme Court approving his extradition later that year. Yet, Petro suspended the decision for peace initiatives. De la Espriella’s administration has since halted negotiations with rebel groups, adopting an aggressive stance towards crime, which includes recent military interventions in northern Colombia.
President De la Espriella, who gained the endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has committed to supporting U.S. anti-drug efforts. The region has faced escalating violence from factions vying for control after the 2016 peace agreement with FARC, which disarmed over 14,000 fighters but created territorial vacuums.
Comandos de la Frontera, comprising former FARC members who rejected the peace deal, arose in 2017. It initially allied with the Segunda Marquetalia group, led by ex-FARC commander Luciano Marin, but the partnership dissolved two years ago.
Rojas is set for his initial court appearance this Monday.
Dutch Review Board’s Euthanasia Ruling and International Debate 
Israeli PM Commends Heroic Actions in Flight Emergency 
Rabbi and Jewish Leaders Criticize Adam Brody for ‘Genocide’ Comment 
Flydubai’s Emergency Landing Highlights Cockpit Security 
Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett Commends Passengers and Crew for In-Flight Heroism 
Diplomatic Complexities Unfold at U.S. National Archives Visit