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NewsMiami IndependentAugust 7, 2026Miami-Dade

President Petro ratifies 1989 UN convention and increases military pay to counter mercenary activity

President Gustavo Petro has ratified a 1989 UN convention intended to curb mercenary activity and increased military pay in response to reports of Colombian cartel members traveling to Ukraine to study drone tactics. These actions aim to address concerns regarding the potential impact of these fighters on domestic air security.

national securitymilitaryinternational relationsorganized crimedrones
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Why It Matters

The government is changing its legal and financial approach to military personnel and international combatants to prevent the transfer of advanced drone warfare skills back to criminal organizations in Colombia.

Key Facts

  • President Gustavo Petro ratified a 1989 UN convention focused on curbing mercenary activity.
  • The government has increased military pay.
  • Reports indicate Colombian cartel members are traveling to Ukraine to master drone tactics.
  • The administration expressed concern that these tactics could threaten Bogotá’s air supremacy.

Who's Mentioned

personGustavo Petro“President of Colombia”locationBogotá“Capital city of Colombia”organizationMiami Independent“Publisher of the article”other1989 UN convention“International treaty aimed at curbing mercenary activity”locationUkraine“Location where fighters are reportedly training”