Police operations in Peru and Colombia target criminal groups

In Peru, police arrested two suspected members of the Los Reyes del Puerto Callao gang in Arequipa after an attempted vehicle arson. The suspects, identified as Alonso Mamani Rojas and Carlos Velarde Aragón, allegedly sprayed gasoline on a Hyundai Tucson in the Mariano Melgar district. The owner managed to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher before the fire spread. Authorities seized $2,200 in cash, a gasoline container, and mobile devices. Investigations indicate the victim had been receiving extortion threats demanding over 200,000 soles.

In Colombia, a police operation in Lebrija, Santander, resulted in the deaths of two men identified as 'Manchado' and 'Negro Yolver' during an armed confrontation. Authorities report that 'Manchado' was a leader within the ELN's Finance and Economy structure (EFER). He had a 23-year criminal history, including previous convictions for rebellion, kidnapping, and homicide. The operation, conducted by COPES and Jungla units, targeted individuals involved in the supply of narcotics and weapons to the Bucaramanga metropolitan area.