Now Reading: Colombian Army strikes blow against ELN in Norte de Santander
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Colombian Army strikes blow against ELN in Norte de Santander
As part of the Ayacucho Plan, the Military Forces recovered minors, captured and seized weapons after fighting in Lourdes.
In an offensive operation carried out in the village of Las Brisas, municipality of Lourdes (Norte de Santander), troops from the Thirtieth Brigade of the Colombian National Army achieved important results against the ELN organized armed group, specifically against the Juan Fernando Porras Martínez Front. The criminal structure is accused of carrying out extortion activities, installing explosive devices and attacks against the civilian population and the security forces in the region.
The battles, which are part of the strategy of the Ayacucho Planallowed for the capture of three people allegedly linked to acts of terrorism, as well as the recovery of three minors which were under the control of the armed group. The operation was led by troops from the Field Artillery Battalion No. 30.
During the military action, the following were also two long arms, one sniper rifle, one pistol, one shotgun and eight grenades seizedThe company was also responsible for the destruction of the equipment, as well as other supplies, explosives and communication equipment.
This ELN front has been identified as responsible for the murder of a civilian in Lourdes during a religious celebration during Holy Week, as well as for an attack in Bucarasica in which a National Police officer was wounded.
The structure maintains criminal interference in the municipalities of Puerto Santander, the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, Salazar de las Palmas and Gramalote.
The competent authorities are currently carrying out the respective judicial procedures to bring the captured persons and the seized material to justice.
This result is in addition to another recent operation in Cúcuta, where a member of the same armed group was neutralized and additional weapons were seized.
