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Colombia military destroys drug lab and seizes 1.8 tons of cocaine
The Colombian military has destroyed a drug laboratory and seized over 1.8 tons of cocaine in the town of Mercaderes, located in the southwestern part of the country.
President Abelardo de la Espriella attributed the production facility to the ELN (National Liberation Army), the nation's largest active guerrilla organization. While the ELN has previously denied operating drug laboratories, the government maintains that such illegal economies fund terrorism and violence.
This operation follows Colombia's recent decision to join 'The Shield of the Americas,' a military anti-drug alliance supported by the United States. Under this agreement, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the two nations have committed to joint military operations to combat drug cartels.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Colombia · ELN · Mercaderes · Pete Hegseth
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The drug production facility is attributed to the ELN rebel group. www.vol.at · www.n-tv.de · www.tt.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Colombian army destroyed a drug laboratory and seized more than 1.8 tons of cocaine. www.vol.at · www.n-tv.de · www.tt.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation took place in the town of Mercaderes in southwestern Colombia. www.vol.at · www.n-tv.de · www.tt.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ELN has denied direct involvement in drug trafficking and operating cocaine laboratories. www.vol.at · www.tt.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colombia recently joined the US-led anti-drug alliance 'The Shield of the Americas'. www.vol.at · www.n-tv.de · www.tt.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colombia and the US have agreed to joint military operations against drug cartels. www.vol.at · www.n-tv.de · www.tt.com