Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez

Brigadier General Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez is a seasoned military leader in the Colombian Armed Forces, known for his role in leading the successful rescue operation of four indigenous children who survived for 40 days in the Guaviare jungle after a plane crash. Recently appointed as the Minister of Defense by President Gustavo Petro, Sánchez's appointment marks a return to military leadership within the ministry, breaking a trend of civilian leadership. With over 33 years of military experience, Sánchez has held various significant positions, including commander of special operations and the Air Combat Command, and he holds multiple master's degrees in security, defense, and strategic studies.