Briceño: Colombian authorities dismantle explosives workshop and seize arsenal

A joint operation by the Colombian National Army and the Technical Investigation Body (CTI) uncovered a clandestine explosives workshop and an arsenal in the rural areas of Briceño, Antioquia. The operation, carried out by the Rapid Deployment Force No. 7 in the villages of El Hoyo, El Roblal, Palmichal, and El Hoyo, targeted the logistics and armed capacity of the FARC dissident group known as Estructura 36.

Authorities seized a significant amount of weaponry and materials, including an AK-47 rifle, approximately 1,000 cartridges, 30 fragmentation grenades, and 25 improvised explosive devices. Additionally, seven handmade anti-personnel mines and roughly 100 kilograms of high-power explosives were recovered. The seizure also included three drones: one for reconnaissance and two modified for launching artisanal grenades.

During the raid, a woman known by the alias ‘La Mona’ was taken into custody. Authorities identify her as an explosives expert responsible for managing drones within the criminal structure. Intelligence suggests the workshop had been operating in secret for several months and may be linked to an alliance between FARC dissidents and the Clan del Golfo.