Colombian Forces Dismantle⁣ Key FARC Dissident Network in meta Operation

Bogotá,Colombia – A notable blow has been dealt to the FARC dissident group,Segunda‍ Marquetalia,with the accomplished operation by the Colombian Military Gaula and National Police⁤ in ⁢the department of Meta. The operation led to the capture of Michael Enrique Méndez Olivos,also known as “Mogosín,” identified as the head of the ⁣Segunda ‍Marquetalia in the region⁢ and a key figure⁣ in coordinating terrorist actions in‍ the eastern‍ plains.

Strategic Operation Uncovers Criminal ‍Nexus

The operation, which‍ involved days‍ of ⁢meticulous insertion by land and⁢ air, was a direct ⁤result of citizen⁤ complaints regarding threats and extortion. ⁢These vital tips allowed ⁤security ⁤forces to pinpoint Méndez Olivos’s ⁢location in the rural areas of Puerto Lleras.Upon arrival, the units ⁢faced an⁣ armed confrontation with long-range weapons, necessitating a tactical response to neutralize⁢ the threat.

During the intense exchange, “Alias Jimmy Lozada,”⁤ identified as the financial head of ⁣the institution, was apprehended. The successful raid yielded a significant cache‍ of illegal materials,including ⁢a rifle,a shotgun,a revolver,various calibers⁢ of⁣ ammunition,communication equipment,and propaganda materials used⁣ for intimidation. Notably, a vehicle assigned by the National Protection Unit (UNP) ⁣was also recovered and is now in the custody ⁤of the Prosecutor’s Office.

The governor of Meta, Rafaela Cortés, lauded the ‍efforts of the Public Force, stating, “This is one⁣ more step to keep terrorists out of the department.” the colombian government⁤ had offered a ‍reward of $50 million pesos for data leading‍ to the ⁣capture of Méndez Olivos, underscoring the⁣ strategic importance of this operation.

National Protection Unit Clarifies ‍Protected Status

In the ⁢wake of the operation, the director of the National Protection Unit (UNP), Augusto Ramírez, addressed the situation, clarifying the UNP’s ‍involvement. ⁢ramírez explained that the ⁤entity was unaware of Michael Enrique Méndez Olivos’s alias, “Mogosín,” or ⁤his alleged leadership role within the Segunda Marquetalia.

According to Ramírez, ⁣Méndez Olivos had surrendered to the army in 2014 and ‍had been undergoing a ⁤reintegration process.He had been granted protection measures since 2018 after ⁤being the victim of an attack. Ramírez stated that the ⁤information received by the UNP escorts ‍indicated that Méndez⁣ Olivos had been dedicated to criminal activities, a ⁤fact that was not previously known to the unit. The UNP⁤ director emphasized that the recovered vehicle was indeed⁣ assigned to Méndez Olivos as part of his protection measures.

This operation marks a significant victory for Colombia’s security forces in their ‍ongoing efforts to combat armed groups and restore peace and security ⁣to⁣ the ⁣nation’s vital regions. The ⁤intelligence gathered ‍and the ‍disruption of the Segunda Marquetalia’s network in Meta are expected ‍to have a considerable impact on their operational capacity in the eastern plains and perhaps⁢ hinder ‍their expansion plans towards⁣ the center of⁣ the country.