Colombian government intensifies offensive against criminal groups following operation in Santa Marta
The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, issued a forceful warning against the outlaw groups operating in the country. Following a successful operation by the Public Force in Santa Marta, the president was emphatic in pointing out that those ringleaders who do not surrender to justice will face fatal consequences, ensuring that there will be no truce against criminality.
Hard blow to the Conquistador Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra
The recent operation resulted in the neutralization of seven members of the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN), among whom stands out alias Cholo, who served as second-in-command of this paramilitary organization. According to authorities, the individual had accumulated more than 15 years of criminal history and was a key figure in coordinating drug trafficking routes destined for Central America.
We are going after all those bandits, and whoever does not submit will end up like El Cholo and the other six bandits who were taken down: in a body bag and dead.
Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia
Security and territorial control actions
The president announced his immediate transfer to the city of Santa Marta to personally lead a security council and oversee operations in the territory. The main objective is to coordinate the necessary measures to guarantee the protection of citizens against attempts at intimidation by criminal structures that seek to impose armed strikes and generate anxiety.
During the operation in which the seven members were neutralized, the authorities achieved the following results:
- Capture of three individuals linked to the organization.
- Seizure of 10 rifles and two grenade launchers.
- Confiscation of two pistols and eight grenades.
- Recovery of abundant war materiel.
Response to violence
Despite the blow dealt to the criminal structure, tension persists in the region. Following the operation, the burning of two public transport units and blockades were reported on La Troncal, the main road connecting Santa Marta with the north of the department. In response, President De la Espriella reiterated that his administration will not allow terror to subjugate the population and set his sights on Fredy Castillo Carrillo, alias Pinocho, identified as the main financier and leader of the ACSN.
On a parallel front, the public order situation remains complex, following the confirmation of the deaths of three soldiers in the department of Meta, victims of a minefield attributed to FARC dissidents, which keeps security forces on maximum alert throughout the national territory.
