The National Army conducts a change of command for the Fourth Division

In a military ceremony, the National Army conducted the change of command for the Fourth Division, during which Major General Ricardo Roque Salcedo handed over command to Brigadier General Yor William Cotua Muñoz.

The National Army praised the work of Major General Ricardo Roque Salcedo, who during his command led important operations that contributed significantly to strengthening security and stability in the departments of Meta, Guaviare, and Vaupés. His tenure was marked by decisive operational results against residual organized armed groups, within the framework of the Ayacucho Plus Operations Plan, which helped ensure peace and security for the civilian population.

Brigadier General Yor William Cotua Muñoz assumes command with the aim of continuing to strengthen military operations and coordinated efforts with local authorities, for the sake of peace and development in the region.

The brigadier general is an officer with extensive operational experience, having served the institution for more than three decades. He was born in Medellín and entered the Military Cadet School in 1992, graduating as a second lieutenant in the Infantry.

Throughout his career, he has held positions of great responsibility in various units, serving in strategic roles such as chief of operations for the Commando Brigade, deputy commander and chief of staff in special forces units, and commander of the 1st Special Forces Regiment. He also served as chief of staff of the Special Forces Division and military attaché in Washington.

In 2022, he assumed the position of commander of the Army Special Forces Division and, subsequently, in 2024, was appointed commander of the 27th Jungle Brigade in the department of Putumayo. He also served as commander of Omega Task Force.

His academic background includes a master’s degree and a specialization in national security and defense, as well as command and staff studies, in addition to multiple certificate programs in strategic areas. He holds certifications as a lancero (an elite commando and survival training program), military paratrooper, and has completed special operations courses both in Colombia and abroad.

Throughout his career, he has participated in the planning and execution of special operations against high-value strategic targets, achieving decisive operational results against organized armed groups. Among these, his participation in the operation that led to the rescue of four minors in the Amazon rainforest in 2023, after a 40-day search, stands out.

The officer has been decorated 36 times, including distinctions such as the Order of Boyacá, in the ranks of Commander and Grand Officer, as well as recognitions for distinguished service in special operations and public order.

The ceremony was presided over by Major General Royer Gómez Herrera, commander of the National Army, and was attended by senior military and police commanders, civilian authorities, and special guests.

With this ceremony, the National Army reaffirms its commitment to security, stability, and the protection of the civilian population in the departments of Meta, Guaviare, and Vaupés.

Source: Fourth Division Press.