President Abelardo de la Espriella announced that 20 guerrillas were killed in a bomb attack ordered by the newly formed government in Colombia’s Guaviare region. He also reported the arrest of five individuals and the rescue of two minors, emphasizing strict actions against drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion.
The operation against the EMC rebel group, led by Ivan Mordisco, follows two deadly airstrikes in August. According to reports dated September 2 from Bogota, Colombia, a major security operation in Guaviare resulted in the deaths of 20 narco-terrorists, the apprehension of five suspects, and the rescue of two minors.
President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the military campaign targets armed groups funding illegal activities such as drug trafficking, illegal mining, and forced extortion. Mordisco leads the Eastern Central Staff (EMC) rebel group, which is among the largest illegal armed groups in Colombia, a country that has endured violent conflict for more than a decade.
Following the 2016 peace agreement, EMC has reportedly become inactive and separated from FARC. Forensic officials and other sources have confirmed that among those killed in the recent airstrike were four minors. Human rights organizations have warned via social media about the risks of children and adolescents becoming involved in violent activities.
