Colombian defense Minister ⁣Links Dissident Groups to Senator’s Murder and Drug Trafficking

Colombia’s defense Minister, Iván Velásquez,⁣ has publicly connected dissident ‍factions of the former FARC rebel group to the recent murder of Senator Miguel Uribe ‍and a surge in violence targeting peace agreement signatories. Velásquez detailed alleged involvement⁢ of these groups ⁤in drug ⁣trafficking and internal conflicts that ⁤led to ‍the death of a key‍ figure,José Aldinever Sierra Sabogal,also known as “Zarco Aldinever.”

connection to Senator Miguel Uribe’s Death

According to Minister Velásquez, the individuals ⁣responsible for the escalating violence, including the assassination of Senator Uribe, are largely comprised of former FARC members who rejected the 2016 peace accord.⁤

“That poster is part of the dissidents that did not bet on peace in 2016 and that are currently⁣ fractured and have no ideology, they simply have ⁣a criminal interest,”⁣ Velásquez stated. “These dissidents are those that are mainly behind the murders or murder attempts ‍to all peace ⁣signatories, who also moved to a senator⁣ of the Republic of Colombia, miguel Uribe, who rests ⁤in peace.”

Investigations are currently ‍focused on the Second Marquetalia,⁤ but authorities are not ruling out the involvement of other armed groups. “We cannot say at this time that this⁤ is the onyl connecting line⁣ to this criminal organization, but we cannot say that perhaps intelligence and the investigations guide us to another criminal organized armed group. We ⁤are not going to distort them until⁣ we have those responsible for this atrocious crime,” Velásquez affirmed.

Zarco ⁢Aldinever’s Death and⁢ Drug Trafficking Disputes

The ⁣minister revealed that Zarco Aldinever, a notable figure within these⁤ dissident groups, ⁣was murdered in Venezuela, near the Colombian-Venezuelan border, allegedly ⁤by the ELN (National ‍Liberation Army).⁢

“That criminal, according to information that we obtained and was ⁣also ⁢communicated in the media, even by the criminals of the poster⁢ of⁢ the second Marquetalia, the ELN murdered the Zarco Aldinever in Venezuelan territory very close‍ to the Colombian-Venezuelan border,” Velásquez explained.

Further examination suggests that Aldinever’s death stemmed from internal disputes over drug trafficking. “apparently, among themselves stole some cargo ⁤of cocaine and developed and declared a criminal struggle between ⁢posters,” the minister disclosed. This highlights the increasing role of narcotics in fueling conflict⁣ among these armed groups.

Escalating Violence and the Future of Peace in ‍Colombia

The revelations come amidst⁢ growing ⁣concerns about the security‍ situation in Colombia, particularly for individuals involved in ‍the peace process. ⁣The targeting of peace signatories and⁤ political figures ⁤underscores the fragility of the peace accord and ⁢the continued threat posed by armed groups operating in⁣ the ‍country.

Authorities are committed to pursuing all⁣ leads and bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice. The investigation into Senator Uribe’s murder remains ongoing, with a focus on dismantling the criminal networks involved and preventing further acts of violence. The Colombian government is working to ⁤strengthen security measures and ⁣protect those ⁤who are working to build a ‍lasting peace.

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The America ‍(GDA)⁢ newspaper group, to which the National belongs, is a network of leading media founded in 1991, which promotes democratic values,⁤ self-reliant press and freedom of expression in Latin America through quality⁤ journalism for our audiences.