From Soldier to Mercenary: The Untold Story of Peter McAleese’s Failed Assassination Attempt on Pablo Escobar

In 1989, Peter McAleese, a Scotsman and former SAS agent, led a team of British mercenaries on a mission to assassinate Pablo Escobar, the leader of the Medellín cartel in Colombia. Escobar was one of the most dangerous and richest criminals in history, responsible for up to 80% of global cocaine trade. McAleese was hired by a rival drug cartel to eliminate Escobar but the mission ultimately failed.

The documentary “Killing Escobar,” released in 2021, delves into the story of this failed assassination attempt and McAleese’s complex character. Born in Glasgow in 1942, McAleese described himself as a man with inner restlessness. Raised in a tough neighborhood with a violent father, he joined the Army at 17 to channel his aggression. He served in the Parachute regiment and later became a member of the SAS before retiring in 1969.

After leaving the Army, McAleese struggled to find his place and drifted from one job to another. He became involved in mercenary work in Angola, Rhodesia, and South Africa before meeting Dave Tomkins who recruited him for the mission to kill Escobar. Along with a team of 12 mercenaries, they planned to assassinate Escobar at his luxurious Hacienda Nápoles estate but unfortunately, their attack never took place due to a helicopter crash in the Andes mountains.

Despite not achieving their goal of killing Escobar, McAleese reflected on his life and actions. He acknowledged his regrets as a husband and father but felt at peace with his past as a soldier. The story of McAleese’s life and his involvement in the assassination attempt on Escobar remains an intriguing tale that combines adventure and danger.

McAleese passed away in March of 2021 at age 81.

In conclusion, Peter McAleese was an adventurous Scotsman who led a team of mercenaries on an unsuccessful mission to assassinate Pablo Escobar. Despite failing to achieve their goal, McAleese reflected on his life