Alias Dracula, accused of being responsible for terrorist attacks and forced displacements in Catatumbo, was arrested within the framework of Operation Catatumbo, carried out by troops of the Rapid Deployment Force No. 3 of Colombian National Army, in coordination with the Colombian Aerospace Force and the National Police. The operation was carried out in the village of San Martín de Loba, municipality of Sardinata, Norte de Santander department.
This individual, with more than 15 years of criminal experience in the armed group, was considered one of the main coordinating pieces of the ELN in the region. He coordinated armed confrontations against other illegal structures through the use of drones adapted with explosives, snipers and mined areas with improvised engines, seriously damaging the inhabitants and the Military Forces.
Alias Dracula maintained direct communication with the ringleaders known as alias Silvana and Ricardo, to whom he reported the operations carried out in the Catatumbo, and from whom he received instructions to coordinate attacks and transport war materiel in the area.
According to military intelligence information, he was leading the installation of explosive engines on the road that connects Cúcuta with Tibú, one of the main arteries of the department, spoiling the mobility and security of the inhabitants. In addition, he responsible for the terrorist operation perpetrated in October 2024, in which two police officers carrying out security tasks in the sector known as the Ye de Astilleros were murdered.
His arrest represents a strategic blow to the ELN's logistics component, significantly weakening its coordination capacity and spoiling its sources of supply of war material. During the operation, a long rifle, a short rifle and ammunition were found by troops, which, together with the arrested, were put into custody of the authority for their respective prosecution.
Source: Press - National Army
