The three detainees, members of the residual organized armed group (GAO-r) Structure 33, were put into custody of the judicial authorities. A minor who accompanied them was object of the restitution of his rights.
Within the framework of Operation Catatumbo, and thanks to the coordinated work with the National Police, troops of the Combat Engineer Battalion No. 30, attached to the Vulcano Task Force, which carries out operations in the rural area of the village of Nazaret, municipality of Tibú, engaged a combat with individuals who were trying to carry out criminal acts on the road.
As a result of this operation, it was possible to arrest three members of the so-called Roque González Company, of the GAO-r 33, as well as the recovery of a minor who was in the place under threats. The child was immediately protected, in accordance with the protocols for the special safeguarding of the rights of the child.
During the procedure, two 9 mm caliber pistols, a traumatic weapon, two fragmentation grenades, seven magazines, 103 ammunition of different calibers, three motorcycles, cell phones and more than 800,000 pesos in cash were found by troops, which apparently corresponded to money obtained by extortion activities.
The military intelligence efforts led to the identification of these individuals specialized in the collection of money from extortion, trafficking in coca paste base and the installation of illegal roadblocks at various points along the highway axis of the area where the combat was reported.
In this way, the troops of the Vulcano Task Force ratify their commitment to the security of the Catatumbo region and will continue to carry out sustained operations aimed at raising the free mobility of the inhabitants.
Source: Press – National Army
