Nariño military operation kills seven FARC dissidents

Colombian military forces conducted a major offensive in El Peñol, Nariño, resulting in the deaths of seven members of the Franco Benavides front, a structure belonging to the Estado Mayor Central (EMC) dissidents of the former FARC. The operation also led to the capture of five individuals and left at least twelve others wounded.

Authorities reported the seizure of significant weaponry and materials, including an M4 rifle, a pistol, eight handmade grenades, and 946 cartridges. Additionally, security forces identified five cocaine processing laboratories, seizing over 1,000 gallons of liquid inputs and 175 kilograms of solid substances. The operation also targeted illegal mining, resulting in the intervention of seven production units and seven dredges.

President Abelardo De La Espriella characterized the event as a key component of his administration’s aggressive security policy. He provided a cumulative balance of government actions since August 7, reporting 14,914 captures, the seizure of 49,379 kilograms of narcotics, the removal of 1,485 firearms from circulation, and the eradication of 1,320.9 hectares of coca crops.