Colombian Army disrupts FARC dissident groups in Cauca

The Colombian Army has reported significant setbacks for FARC dissident groups in the Cauca department. In Popayán, authorities captured two alleged members of the criminal group ‘Los Piratas’. This group, linked to the Jaime Martínez residual structure, specialized in extorting and robbing passengers on the Pan-American highway between Popayán and Rosas. Investigators noted that the group used social media to lure victims with false investment offers and sometimes wore clothing similar to public security forces to intimidate travelers.

In a separate operation in the Micay Canyon, specifically in the municipality of Argelia, 41 members of the Carlos Patiño structure, which serves alias Iván Mordisco, surrendered to the military. The surrender included the handover of a rifle, 60 cartridges, and a telescopic sight. The military also reported the recovery of minors during these operations. These actions are intended to diminish the armed groups' ability to maintain territorial control and conduct criminal activities such as threats and intimidation against local communities.