The Chief of defense of Colombia, General Hugo López Barreto, reported that in recent hours, former FARC dissidents, under the command of alias Ivan Mordisco, perpetrated a series of terrorist attacks in the departments of Valle del Cauca and Cauca.
The senior officer said that these criminal acts are a direct reaction to the strength of the military operations carried out in the region. "The sustained pressure we exert has significantly troubled their illicit activities, especially drug trafficking, as well as their criminal operations,” he said.
Within the framework of this operation, the Military forces have been able to thwart and neutralize multiple terrorist operations. General López Barreto highlighted that just this week 13 members of the Carlos Patiño structure voluntarily surrendered to National Army troops in the Micay Canyon, which reflects the loss of cohesion and control within these groups.
The commander announced the immediate deployment of additional units and the strengthening of joint, coordinated and inter-agency operations throughout the region, with the purpose of restoring territorial military control and protecting the inhabitants. To do this, eight additional National Army platoons and two armored platoons will be incorporated in support of operations in Cauca and Valle del Cauca.
Regarding the explosion of a gas cylinder in the El Túnel sector, road Cajibío (Cauca), the Military Forces deployed their resources in support of the inhabitants and sent a Huey-type aircraft for evacuations and care of the wounded.
"Terrorism and crimes against humanity perpetrated by these groups are a desperate attempt to relieve pressure and generate a media impact that hides their weakening. However, the reality is that they are being hit in a powerful and significant way,” General López Barreto concluded.
The operation is ongoing and will be intensified with all the resources of the Military Forces, in harmonious collaboration with State institutions and regional authorities.
Source: Strategic Communications - General Command of the Military Forces
