The Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, has announced plans for a new military strategy to beat “terrorism” for good.
“The Defense Ministry organized a meeting with the Colombian army’s highest generals to thrash out a new battle plan,” said Santos. “The generals are going to work together to make history in the final phase of the conflict that we’ve been waiting for for more than 50 years.”
The head of state said the “most studious” generals had been gathered together to come up with innovative military strategies. He claimed the armed forces were more interested than anyone in achieving a dignified and lasting peace, as they were the first ones in the line of fire.
He announced 7.2 billion pesos ($3.7 million) of public money would be spent improving the Colombian army – a proportion of which will be invested in education and health services. The number of police will be increased by 20,000 and the number of enlisted soldiers by 6,000.