In less than 42 hours, the soldiers managed to find and destroy 120 anti-personnel mines and a cylinder with 40 kilos of explosives, which would be used by the residual organized armed group Carlos Patiño Structure, to attack the inhabitants and slow down the work of the troops.
Thanks to the timely intervention of the Rapid Deployment Battalion Nº 11, with the support of the Explosives and Demolitions team (EXDE), trained dogs and units of the Rapid Deployment Force Nº 4, a of the Third Division of Colombian National Army, it was possible in record time the finding and controlled destruction of 120 anti-personnel mines and a gas cylinder loaded with 40 kilos of explosives.
This explosive material had been hidden in different side roads of the village of El Plateado, municipality of Argelia, Cauca, by members of the residual organized armed group Carlos Patiño Structure, who planned to install them to attack the inhabitants and hinder the military operation in this strategic area of the Micay canyon.
The operation, which was possible due to several weeks of military intelligence, prevented this terrorist group from carrying out operations that would have put at risk the life and good physical condition of more than 600 families living in this rural area of Cauca, historically hit by violence.
This result is a sign of the commitment, professionalism and courage of the soldiers, who act decisively to protect the inhabitants and work to promote free mobility in areas where institutional activity remains indispensable.
Source: National Army - Third Division
