In 1989, a mission to assassinate Pablo Escobar was undertaken by a team of British mercenaries led by Scotsman Peter McAleese. The documentary “Killing Escobar,” released in 2021, takes a deep dive into the life and character of McAleese, who was one of the richest and most dangerous criminals in history. Born in Glasgow in 1942, McAleese described himself as a man with inner restlessness. He joined the Army at 17 to channel his aggression 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 eventually became involved in mercenary work in Angola, Rhodesia, and South Africa. It was during this time that he met Dave Tomkins, who recruited him for the mission to kill Escobar. Along with a team of 12 mercenaries, McAleese planned to assassinate Escobar at his luxurious Hacienda Nápoles estate. However, due to a helicopter crash in the Andes mountains, the attack never took place.
Despite the failed mission, 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. Escobar was later shot dead in Medellín in 1993 while trying to flee from authorities. The story of McAleese’s life and his involvement in the assassination attempt on Escobar remains a captivating tale of adventure and intrigue.
In March of 2021, Peter McAleese passed away at the age of 81. His legacy as one of Britain’s most infamous mercenaries continues to be remembered today.
The documentary “Killing Escobar” showcases not only McAleese’s complex personality but also provides insight into how he became involved with drug trafficking through mercenary work abroad.
McAleese had always been fascinated by violence and danger from an early age
