The fighting took place against the Camilo Cienfuegos Structure, of the Domingo Laín Sáenz Front, of the organized armed group (GAO) ELN, responsible for the attack with a tipper loaded with explosives on the Military Base in Puerto Jordán, Arauca.
In the framework of operations, troops of the Eighteenth Brigade, attached to the Eighth Division of Colombian National Army, jointly with the Colombian Aerospace Force and coordinated with the Sijín of the National Police, in the village of La Cristalina, municipality of Arauquita, Arauca, there were combats conducted by soldiers of the Ground Operations Battalion No. 29 against members of the Camilo Cienfuegos Group, of the Domingo Laín Sáenz Front, of the GAO ELN.
After the fighting that lasted for about 7 hours, it was possible the death in the framework of military operations of 6 members of that structure and 5 arrests. It should be clarified that this structure is responsible for the terrorist attack perpetrated on September 17 on the command post of the Field Artillery Battalion No. 18 in Puerto Jordan, in Arauquita, Arauca.
Among those arrested is, apparently, a minor who was part of the structure, and who had been forced to participate in the combat, which denotes the continuous use of forced recruitment of minors and the violation of their rights. The verification of his identity and age is in the hands of the authority. In addition, the soldiers noticed in the place a man who was being kidnapped, so first aid was immediately given to him and his rescue was possible. In this way, the systematic practice of kidnapping by this GAO is evident, attacking against the life and freedom of the inhabitants of Arauca.
In the operation, 13 long weapons and 7 short weapons were found by troops, material that was put into custody of the judicial authority to continue the urgent acts, 2 drones, more than 2000 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, 128 9 mm and about 470 7.62 mm caliber ammunition, several magazines for rifle and pistol, campaign equipment, bracelets marked with the letters ELN, fake car plates and abundant material of military accessories and communications, which will be subject for the study and analysis by Military Intelligence, were found.
Source: National Army
