FARC dissident leader charged with crimes in Antioquia

Colombian authorities have judicialized Wilmar Elías Zuleta Pulgarín, known as ‘Lobo’ or ‘El Manuel’, an alleged leader of a structure within the FARC dissidents' 36th Front. According to the Fiscalía General de la Nación, Zuleta Pulgarín is accused of coordinating various criminal activities in northern Antioquia, including homicides, extortion, kidnappings, forced displacements, and attacks against public forces.

One specific charge involves the November 24, 2024, killing of a woman in the El Recreo neighborhood of San Andrés de Cuerquia, where the suspect allegedly entered a commercial establishment and opened fire. Investigations suggest Zuleta Pulgarín joined the illegal armed group in 2022 and subsequently took control of an armed component.

The arrests were conducted during a joint operation by the Technical Investigation Body (CTI), the National Army, and the National Police in the La Paulina district of Valdivia, Antioquia. Also detained was Alexandra García Legarda, alias ‘Samanta’, who allegedly provided security, nursing, and communications for the group. Both individuals face charges including aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime, aggravated homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and the illegal use of uniforms and insignia. Neither suspect has accepted the charges.