In a coordinated operation conducted by the Colombian Navy and the National Police, within the framework of a search procedure for arrest purposes, in the municipality of El Carmen de Bol铆var, department of Bol铆var, it was possible to arrest three individuals in flagrante delicto.
The procedure, carried out in the Macayepo sector, in El Carmen de Bol铆var, was initially planned as a territorial and judicial control operation, but resulted in a direct confrontation, when armed individuals, apparently members of the GAO Clan del Golfo, upon noticing the activity of the members of the Military Forces, opened indiscriminate fire against the Military Forces.
In a timely manner, and in strict compliance with the norms of International Human Rights Law, the troops executed tactical reaction and containment maneuvers in legitimate defense, protecting the lives of the members of the Military Forces and neutralizing the threat. Thanks to this operation, it was possible to arrest in flagrante delicto three individuals known by the aliases of Sebastian, Candelario and Maria, accused for the alleged crimes of trafficking, carrying firearms and ammunition for the exclusive use of the Military Forces.
Three M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, a CZ Carbine rifle, a Prieto Beretta pistol, a Glock pistol, abundant ammunition of different calibers, 24 magazines for rifle, 08 magazines for pistol, 05 cell phones and 01 belt with badges alluding to organized armed group were found by troops at the place.
The material found and the arrested individuals were put into custody of the authorities.
Through this powerful blow, it was possible to directly hit the Aristides Meza Paez structure of the GAO Clan del Golfo, dismantling part of its criminal machinery that commits crimes under the criminal control of alias Johan or Samuel, an individual whose main mission would be to maintain criminal control in the department of Bol铆var, energizing armed operations to intimidate merchants, ranchers and contractors, victims of extortion, as well as increasing the flow of illegal mobility routes between the department of Sucre and the south of Bol铆var.
The Colombian Navy reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the defense of life, freedom and security of the inhabitants of the Montes de Mar铆a region.
Source: Press - Navy of Colombia