Two Colombian nationals, Andrés Fernando Medina Rodriguez and Ciro Alfonso Gutiérrez Ballesteros, have been sentenced to 35 and 30 years in prison, respectively, for conspiring and attempting to murder U.S. soldiers by detonating a car bomb outside a military base near the Colombia-Venezuela border. The men, members of the extremist faction of Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias (FARC) known as the 33rd Front, specifically targeted American troops stationed at the Colombian 30th Army Brigade Base in Cúcuta, Colombia. Rodriguez, a co-conspirator, used his status as a medically discharged Colombian army officer to gain access to the base, where he conducted surveillance of the areas where the U.S. soldiers were primarily located.
Approximately 10 days before the attack, Rodriguez and Ballesteros delivered a white SUV to their co-conspirators in the 33rd Front, who loaded it with an improvised explosive device. On June 15, 2021, Rodriguez drove the SUV carrying the bomb up to the 30th Army Brigade Base, parking it in front of the location where U.S. and Colombian military personnel worked. Ballesteros escorted Rodriguez by motorcycle, and once they were inside, Rodriguez activated the bomb’s timer device and left the area on foot before fleeing with Ballesteros. Three U.S. Army soldiers and 44 Colombian military personnel were injured in the blast, highlighting the severity of the attack.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida emphasized the importance of holding those accountable who target Americans, including the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces. He stated that individuals who threaten the safety and security of the United States will face the full force of the nation’s criminal justice system, as demonstrated by the prison sentences imposed on Medina Rodriguez and Gutiérrez Ballesteros. The FBI’s Miami Field Office also expressed their commitment to investigating criminal acts against the military overseas, working closely with international partners to conduct complex investigations and acquire evidence for criminal prosecutions in the United States.
The severity of the attempted attack on U.S. soldiers by Colombian nationals highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist factions like the 33rd Front of FARC. The involvement of Rodriguez, a medically discharged Colombian army officer, in conducting surveillance and carrying out the attack underscores the potential dangers posed by individuals with military training who turn against their own forces and target American troops. The injuries sustained by multiple military personnel in the explosion serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those serving in conflict zones around the world.
The prison sentences handed down to Rodriguez and Ballesteros serve as a strong message that those who engage in acts of violence against the United States and its military personnel will be held accountable through the criminal justice system. The collaboration between U.S. and international law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting such cases highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing transnational threats. The U.S. Army’s response to the attack, including any measures taken to enhance security for its personnel stationed abroad, may be a critical aspect of preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety of American forces operating in conflict zones.
Overall, the case of Rodriguez and Ballesteros underscores the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. military personnel deployed overseas, as well as the need for continued vigilance and coordination among law enforcement agencies to protect against threats from hostile groups and individuals. The sentencing of the two Colombian nationals for their roles in the attempted attack on American soldiers sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and that those responsible will face severe consequences. As the U.S. continues to engage in global operations to combat terrorism and violence, the safety and security of its military personnel remain a top priority, with efforts to investigate and prosecute those who seek to harm them being a critical component of ensuring justice and accountability.
