Several suppliers and a flag alluding to the ELN were also seized.
The Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, reported that the troops of the National Army Two special operations have concluded in the department of Nariñowhich have allowed the seizure of drugs and weapons belonging to the ELN.
Through his X account, the official announced that the uniformed men They managed to locate a warehouse belonging to the armed group in the Bella Florida village, located in the municipality of Linares and there they could seize weapons such as 2 rifles, one of them an AK-47 model, 25 81-millimeter grenades and 137 cartridges of different calibers.
Sánchez mentioned that several suppliers and a flag referring to the ELN were also seized. According to the minister, This material could be used against the civilian population and the Public Force in terrorist actions carried out in the department ofNarino.
“Every operation like this helps save lives and prevent new attacks. There is no refuge for crime. We remain firm, with honor and loyaltyfulfilling the mission of defending the homeland,” stated the head of the Defense portfolio.
You may be interested in: JEP advances hearing for forced disappearances in Eastern Antioquia
Blow to ELN finances
Pedro Sánchez also referred to another operation carried out against the ELN in Nariño, this last one within the framework of the Ayacucho Plus Campaign Plan, in which Efforts were articulated between the National Police and the National Army.
He explained that in the municipality of Samaniego two members of the criminal organization were captured, who They carried out tasks aimed at facilitating the transit of narcotic substances.
At the same time, 8.5 kilograms of coca base paste were seized, 116 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, along with weapons, ammunition, grameras and other equipment used in the processing and trafficking of psychoactive substances.
The Minister of Defense highlighted that The material seized by the authorities is valued at more than $664 million. For this reason, he said that “these arrests directly hit the criminal finances of the ELN, which sought to expand its drug trafficking networks in the south of the country.”
“We will continue to act with forcefulness, intelligence and coordination, to protect life, the tranquility and the future of the people of Nariño“he noted.
Sánchez called on Colombians to join forces in the identification of armed groups and other people involved in terrorist acts that result in harm to the civilian population.
In this case, it made the following telephone lines available to citizens where information is received to help capture those involved. The anti-crime line is contemplated: 314 358 72 12, in addition to numbers 107 and 157in addition to the number against child recruitment: 141.
You may be interested in: Mindefensa blames dissidents of Iván Mordisco for the kidnapping of a medical mission in Huila
Alert for the presence of armed actors
In the last year, the Ombudsman’s Office has issued different early warnings for the actions of armed groups and the effects that could be caused to the civilian population.
One of the latest documents reports the presence of armed actors such as the Central General Staff and the Second Marquetalia, which They have intensified their fights for control of the territoryespecially in towns like Olaya Herrera.
According to the authorities, combats and other acts of violence can put citizens at risk, in addition to incur possible violations of international humanitarian law.
Source: Integrated Information System – Jorge Alejandro Escobar Banderas
