Colombia captures ACSN commander ‘Malayo’; ex‑FARC leader Marlon proven alive

On June 30, Colombian authorities captured Yeimer Pinto, alias “Malayo”, the top commander of the “Javier Cáceres” sub‑structure of the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN) in the urban area of Riohacha, La Guajira. The operation was coordinated by the National Police, the DIJIN criminal‑investigation directorate, the Fiscalía General and supported by the Colombian Aerospace Force. Along with Helio López, alias “Mandón”, “Malayo” was arrested on charges of manufacturing, trafficking, possessing firearms and ammunition; authorities seized two firearms, 71 cartridges, five accessories, seven mobile phones and other material. Prosecutors say he commanded at least 40 armed men who controlled cocaine‑trafficking routes in the Alta Guajira region and was linked to the murder of a resident in Riohacha’s Dividivi neighbourhood, a crime filmed and posted on social media in June.

Earlier, during the Duque administration, officials announced that former FARC commander Marlon had been killed in an assault on a presumed camp in San Isidro, Buenaventura. Video later surfaced showing Marlon alive, confirming his continued public statements and indicating the earlier death report was inaccurate. These events illustrate ongoing Colombian security operations against leaders of illegal armed groups.