Alvaro Uribe

Uribe launched the Democratic Security Policy, a comprehensive strategy to reassert state control over Colombian territory. The policy increased military presence, expanded police forces, and offered incentives for guerrilla desertions.

Alvaro Uribe won the Colombian presidential election as an independent candidate. He campaigned on a hardline security policy against the FARC and other guerrilla groups, promising to restore order.

Uribe won a second presidential term after a constitutional amendment allowed him to run again. He secured a landslide victory, reflecting popular support for his security policies.

Investigations revealed extensive ties between Uribe's political allies and right-wing paramilitary groups. Numerous politicians, including congressmen and governors, were arrested for collusion with paramilitaries.

Colombian military intelligence conducted a daring operation that rescued 15 high-profile hostages from the FARC, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. contractors. No soldiers were killed.