The operation, named "Sparta", was launched on Tuesday at the Colombian Army's 30th Brigade headquarters in Cúcuta, the capital of Norte de Santander.

It aims to restore government control in Cúcuta and the Catatumbo region, where armed groups have continued to operate.

Addressing military and police commanders, De la Espriella instructed security forces to intensify operations against the National Liberation Army (ELN), the 33rd Front of the FARC dissidents and other criminal organisations.

"Commanders (...) you are ordered to regain the initiative, identify and capture or take down the ringleaders of those narco-terrorist groups. You must also dismantle their structures, hit their sources of financing and, of course, give those bandits their corresponding welcome to the Miracle homeland," the president said.

Under the campaign, Colombia will deploy 1,200 military and police personnel to strengthen security across municipalities affected by violence.

The operation will also involve intelligence gathering, surveillance and a Marine Infantry component tasked with reinforcing control of major rivers in the region.

De la Espriella acknowledged the dangers facing personnel assigned to the operation and pledged government support to ensure they had the necessary resources.

"I know the mission you receive today is difficult, complex, and that many will have to face great risks far from their families. But I want you to know that God entrusts his best sons and his best soldiers with the toughest, most demanding battles. I, as your Commander-in-Chief, will be attentive to your needs and to ensuring you lack no means to fulfil the mission," De la Espriella said.

The military offensive followed two security incidents in Cúcuta in late October.

On October 26, Miguel Castellanos, a former Secretary of Government of Cúcuta and prospective mayoral candidate, was assassinated in an armed attack.

A day later, a vehicle carrying explosives detonated near the National Taxes and Customs Directorate (DIAN) facilities, close to the Francisco de Paula Santander international bridge.

The explosion injured four police officers and two civilians.