Intense Struggle over Allies: Colombia's Operation Jaque in the Arena of International Relations
In a historic operation that spanned over a decade, the United States Southern Command played a crucial role in supporting the Colombian military in their fight against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The collaboration began in 1987, when the US Department of State requested the Department of Defense to establish and train antinarcotics police units in several countries along the Andean Ridge, including Colombia. This marked the beginning of a persistent investment by the United States in the Colombian military.
Fast forward to 2003, a turning point in this long-term partnership occurred when a US Southern Command contractor's Cessna Grand Caravan crashed in a jungle clearing controlled by the FARC. The crash resulted in the execution of the pilot, Tommy Janis, and Colombian intelligence sergeant Alcides Cruz, and the seizure of the remaining three American hostages by the FARC guerrillas.
In response, Brigadier General Charlie Cleveland, who had taken command of SOCSOUTH the previous month, launched a three-year campaign to build joint capacity, plans, and mutual trust. A small headquarters was established in Colombia, and over time, this forward team developed rescue plans with their Colombian counterparts.
The hallmark of true irregular warfare is building host-nation or indigenous forces capable of executing unilateral operations. In this regard, Operation Jaque was a success, as the Colombians planned and executed the operation with little assistance from the Americans.
The operation was built on an elaborate deception plan. The Colombians duped the FARC into collecting the VIP hostages to attend an international propaganda video with their new commander, Alfonso Cano. On July 2, 2008, the FARC fell for the ruse.
Over the next two months, SOCSOUTH-forward team and Colombian Special Operations Command deployed ten Colombian and five US-Colombian reconnaissance teams to the jungle. In January 2008, signals intelligence indicated that the hostages would soon move.
In February 2008, a Colombian reconnaissance team identified the Americans bathing in a stream, providing the third proof of life since their capture. This intelligence was crucial in the final stages of the operation.
On February 13, 2008, more than five years after the initial crash, Operation Jaque was successful. Colombian military forces rescued the three hostages without firing a shot. After 1,967 days in captivity, the hostages were finally free.
The US Army Special Forces Major Russ Ames remarked that Operation Jaque was a success because the Colombians planned and executed the operation with little assistance from the Americans. This operation showcases the power of persistent investment, trust, and collaboration between nations in achieving a common goal.
It is important to note that the views expressed in this article do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
In conclusion, Operation Jaque is a testament to the power of long-term partnerships and the commitment of nations to work together to achieve peace and justice. The operation serves as a model for future collaborations in combating irregular warfare and ensuring the safety and freedom of hostages worldwide.
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