Colombian government intensifies offensive against criminal groups following operation in Santa Marta
The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, sent a direct warning to the criminal groups operating in the country, asserting that those who do not submit to justice will face fatal consequences. His statements come after a forceful operation by the Public Force in Santa Marta, where seven members of the Conquistador Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN) were neutralized.
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
Among those killed in the operation is alias “Cholo,” who was identified as the second-in-command of this paramilitary structure. According to authorities, this individual had a criminal record spanning more than 15 years and was responsible for coordinating various drug trafficking routes destined for Central America.
Strategic actions and security response
With the goal of personally leading security strategies, the president traveled to Santa Marta to head a security council. The intention is to evaluate the situation in the territory and coordinate the necessary actions to guarantee the protection of citizens against possible reprisals.
During the operation, the authorities achieved significant results that weaken the criminal structure:
- Capture of three members of the armed group.
- Seizure of 10 rifles and two grenade launchers.
- Confiscation of two pistols and eight grenades.
- Recovery of abundant war material.
De la Espriella emphasized that this blow directly affects the command, control, and finances of the ACSN. Likewise, the head of state was emphatic in pointing out that he will not allow criminal structures to use fear or terror, such as the recent attempt to impose an armed strike in the region, to subjugate the civilian population.
Public order situation in the country
Despite the government offensive, the day was marked by acts of vandalism, including the burning of two public transport buses and blockades on the main road connecting Santa Marta with the north of the department. On the other hand, the president has set his sights on alias “Pinocho,” identified as the leader and main financier of the ACSN, whom he considers the next priority target for security operations.
In parallel, violence manifested in other areas of the country, such as in the Meta department, where three soldiers lost their lives following the activation of a minefield, an attack attributed to FARC dissidents.
