In Colombia, 25 people were neutralized during an operation against the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) group, consisting of former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
As reported by national media, the military and police carried out an operation in the rural areas of the Guaviare department on the orders of Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
It is reported that no casualties were recorded among the security forces during the fighting.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said, that in Guaviare one of the largest military operations of recent years was carried out, directed against armed groups led by Néstor Gregorio Vera, known by the nickname “Ivan Mordisco”.
According to the minister, during the operation 23 rifles, 3 mortars, 62 hand grenades, more than 59 thousand ammunition of various calibers and 50 mines were seized.
“Our armed forces and the national The police carried out one of the most decisive operations in recent years. This is a powerful response to the threats directed against our people and the security forces,” he said.
Sánchez noted that armed groups operating in the Guaviare region are responsible for forced displacement, kidnappings, acts of extortion, terrorist attacks and the involvement of minors in paramilitary groups.
About the EMC group
The EMC group, led by “Ivan” Mordisco”, has never participated in the peace process and is considered the so-called “General Staff of the FARC”.
According to Colombian media, the EMC has more than 3,500 members, of which 2,180 have weapons. The group operates not only in the west, center and east of Colombia, but also in Venezuela and Ecuador, financing its activities through drug trafficking, smuggling and extortion.
The peace agreement, ending the 53-year conflict between the Colombian government and the FARC, was signed on November 24, 2016 in Bogota.