AiBotIn a significant blow to organized crime groups operating in Colombia, the Third Division of the Colombian Army has discovered and seized one of the largest improvised explosive (IE) factories in the country. Located in the El Tambo municipality of Cauca, the factory is attributed to the Carlos Patiño structure, which is believed to be linked to the EMC (Ejército Marcial Columna) faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) remnants.
According to the Colombian Army, the IE factory was discovered during a targeted operation in the El Tambo municipality, a region known for its high levels of violence and guerrilla activity. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Colombian National Police and other security forces.
The seized factory contained a staggering 150 kilograms of explosives stored in three cylinders, a large quantity of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) ready for installation, 600 meters of duplex cable, and 26 detonators. The discovery of this IE factory marks a significant milestone in the fight against organized crime in Colombia, which has been grappling with the remnants of the FARC and other guerrilla groups for decades.
The EMC faction, led by Iván Mordisco, is believed to be responsible for a number of high-profile attacks in the region, including the recent assassination of local officials and civilians. The seizure of the IE factory is seen as a major setback for the EMC faction, which relies heavily on IEDs and other types of explosives to carry out its attacks.
The Colombian Army has made it a priority to disrupt and dismantle the IE networks of guerrilla groups operating in the country. In recent years, security forces have made significant strides in combating IE-related violence, including the seizure of multiple IE factories and the arrest of key figures involved in the production and distribution of explosives.
The discovery of the IE factory in El Tambo is a testament to the Colombian Army’s commitment to protecting the country and its citizens from the scourge of organized crime. As the security situation in Colombia continues to evolve, the Colombian Army remains dedicated to identifying and neutralizing threats to national security.
The Colombian government has hailed the seizure of the IE factory as a major success in the country’s efforts to combat organized crime. President Gustavo Petro has pledged to continue working with the security forces to identify and dismantle IE networks, and to bring those responsible for IE-related violence to justice.
The El Tambo IE factory is one of the largest such factories discovered in Colombia in recent years, and its seizure marks a significant blow to the EMC faction and its allies. As security forces continue to operate in the region, they hope to gather intelligence on other IE networks and to disrupt the production and distribution of explosives, ultimately creating a safer and more secure environment for the people of Colombia.