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In a coordinated operation between the National Police and the National Army, the authorities managed to dismantle an illegal warehouse of explosives in a rural area of ​​the municipality of Buenos Aires, Cauca. Four vehicles converted into car bombs were found at the site, as well as weapons and ammunition, material that would be used by the Jaime Martínez front of the Central General Staff (EMC), one of the dissident structures of the former FARC with a presence in this region of the country.

The operation took place in the San Ignacio village, where security forces neutralized the explosive devices before they were used in violent actions against the civilian population or the Public Force. The intervention occurred in the midst of the escalation of armed events that have affected northern Cauca in recent weeks.

Operation and findings

According to the Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, the location of the warehouse was possible thanks to intelligence work that made it possible to identify a strategic point in a rural area that is difficult to access. War material ready to be used was found at the site, which demonstrated the logistical capacity of the illegal armed group.

The authorities indicated that the destruction of the material was carried out in a controlled manner, with the support of units specialized in handling explosives, in order to minimize risks and avoid impacts on nearby communities. The procedure was monitored to ensure that no collateral damage occurred.

This action follows alerts issued by the Ombudsman’s Office, which had warned about the use of improvised explosive devices and indiscriminate attacks in the urban area of ​​Buenos Aires, events that represented a direct threat to the population and public infrastructure.

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Context of violence in northern Cauca

In recent months, Buenos Aires and its surroundings have been the scene of clashes and armed actions attributed to illegal groups, including the Jaime Martínez front of the EMC. The presence of these structures has generated an environment of instability, marked by harassment and the use of explosives in strategic corridors.

Control agencies have warned that the installation of devices on roads and transit areas has caused restrictions on mobility and situations of confinement for several communities, increasing the risk for civilians unrelated to the conflict.

Likewise, several reports have linked these dissidents, under the command of alias ‘Iván Mordisco’, with attacks on police facilities and acts of violence that have left victims among both the Public Force and the civilian population in the department.

Impact on the population and next steps

Residents of Buenos Aires and nearby municipalities continue to live in a climate of anxiety due to the persistence of illegal armed actors in the area. Given this panorama, the Ombudsman’s Office has reiterated the call to strengthen the institutional presence and protection mechanisms for the communities most exposed to the conflict.

The authorities assured that they will continue intelligence and control actions to dismantle networks dedicated to the trafficking of weapons and explosives, in coordination with other State entities.

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