# Colombian security operations against criminal groups

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-security-operations-against-criminal-groups
> Updated: 2026-09-29T03:15:26.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2.

Colombian security forces have conducted targeted operations against criminal structures and dissident groups in different regions of the country.

In Antioquia, authorities captured an individual known as alias ‘Alexander’ in San Andrés de Cuerquia following armed combat. Identified as a key financial operative for the GAO-r Estructura 36, he reportedly manages economic decisions for the group and serves as a right-hand man to alias ‘Primo Gay’. In a separate joint operation between the Colombian Army and the US DEA, authorities arrested a Clan del Golfo drug trafficking leader known as ‘Ñato’ or ‘Cachaco’.

In the Catatumbo region, specifically Tibú, a coordinated operation involving the Air Force, Army, and National Police led to the capture of alias ‘Pollo’. A leader within the ‘Jorge Suárez Bruceño’ structure of the ‘Estructura 33’ dissident group, he is accused of involvement in the forced recruitment and murder of a 14-year-old girl.

Further operations in the Cesar department resulted in the detention of several individuals linked to the ELN’s Camilo Torres Front, including alias ‘Murdoc’, an explosives expert.

In a recent 24-hour period, President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the capture of 30 suspects across multiple structures. This includes seven members of the Rodrigo Cadete FARC dissident group in Caquetá and fifteen members of the ‘Los Fantasmas’ group in Risaralda. Authorities also disrupted a fuel theft network in Cesar and Putumayo, seizing 10,500 gallons of stolen hydrocarbons and 820 isotanks. Additionally, an illegal explosives depot belonging to the Ismael Ruiz structure was destroyed in Huila, yielding 36 grenades. In Valle del Cauca, authorities intercepted a shipment containing over 500 kilograms of marijuana and three kilograms of cocaine base.

## Claims

- Nine people linked to the ELN's Camilo Torres front were captured in the Cesar department, including an individual known as 'Murdoc'. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Colombian authorities captured 30 people linked to various organized crime and terrorist structures within a 24-hour period. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Seven members of the Rodrigo Cadete structure (FARC dissidents) were captured in La Montañita, Caquetá. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Alias 'Pollo', a leader of the 'Estructura 33' dissidents, was captured in Tibú for involvement in forced recruitment and murder. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- An illegal explosives depot belonging to the Ismael Ruiz structure was destroyed in Teruel, Huila, containing 36 grenades. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Fifteen members of the 'Los Fantasmas' group were detained in La Virginia, Risaralda. (single source)
- Authorities disrupted a fuel theft network in Cesar and Putumayo, seizing 10,500 gallons of hydrocarbons and 820 isotanks. (single source)
- A drug trafficking leader from the Clan del Golfo, known as 'Ñato' or 'Cachaco', was arrested in Turbo, Antioquia, in a joint operation with the US DEA. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Colombia security forces capture 30 suspects in major anti-crime operations

Colombian authorities captured 30 people linked to various criminal and terrorist groups in 24 hours, including ELN and FARC dissidents, while disrupting fuel theft and drug trafficking networks.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-authorities-capture-alias-pollo-in-tib

### 2026-09-19: Antioquia authorities capture alias ‘Alexander’, key financier for Estructura 36

An individual known as alias ‘Alexander’, a key financial operative for the criminal group Estructura 36, was captured in Antioquia, Colombia, following armed combat.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antioquia-authorities-capture-alias-alexander-key-financier-for-estructura-36

---
Cite as: Colombian security operations against criminal groups. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombian-security-operations-against-criminal-groups