National Army neutralizes an ELN member in combat and seizes a large amount of war material in Casanare

In fulfillment of their constitutional mission to protect the civilian population and contribute to the security of the department of Casanare, troops from the 16th Light Cavalry Group “Guías del Casanare,” part of the National Army’s 16th Brigade, engaged in combat with members of the ELN organized armed group (GAO), specifically those belonging to the Adonay Ardila Pinilla Front and mixed units of this criminal organization, in a rural area of the municipality of Sácama.

As a result of the military operation, one member of the ELN organized armed group was neutralized during military operations. Additionally, the troops seized a large quantity of war material, explosives, quartermaster supplies, and communications equipment, significantly undermining the logistical and criminal capabilities of this illegal group.

During the operation, the following items were seized: a drone equipped with a homemade system for launching explosives, 7 batteries, 2 homemade hand grenades, 2 homemade antipersonnel mines, a homemade firearm, 11 magazines of various calibers, and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

The lifeless body of the member of the armed group, as well as the seized material, were turned over to the competent authority to carry out urgent procedures, ensure full identification, and initiate the corresponding legal proceedings.

With this operational success, the National Army continues to weaken the criminal capabilities of the ELN organized armed group, preventing the execution of terrorist acts that endanger the security and peace of communities in the northern part of the department of Casanare.

The 16th Brigade reaffirms its commitment to protecting the civilian population and will continue to carry out sustained military operations to neutralize threats from organized armed groups operating in this region of the country.
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Finally, the National Army invites the public to provide information that could help prevent criminal acts through the National Army’s toll-free anti-terrorism hotline 107 and the Military Gaula’s hotline 147, with absolute confidentiality guaranteed.