Sixteen members of the residual armed group National Bolivarian Army Coordinator surrendered to authorities, and two minors were rescued following military operations in Tumaco, Nariño

In a decisive and high-impact operational success against illegal armed structures, the National Army, through the Hércules Task Force, brought 18 young people—members of the residual armed group National Bolivarian Army Coordinator—to justice in the rural area of Berlín in Tumaco, Nariño.

This outcome represents one of the most significant blows against criminal structures operating in the Pacific region of Nariño, considerably weakening their military, logistical, and financial capabilities, as well as their criminal activities in this region.

According to information obtained during the operation, this illegal group had been carrying out forced recruitment of young people with the aim of incorporating them into its ranks to carry out criminal acts against the civilian population and the security forces.

These practices constitute a serious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly affecting children, adolescents, and young people in rural areas, who are exploited by these armed groups to bolster their criminal activities.

Thanks to the timely intervention of the National Army, this illegal organization’s operations have been disrupted, and a new opportunity has been provided to those who decided to lay down their arms and seek justice.

As a result of the operation, troops seized a significant arsenal that was being used to bolster this group’s criminal activities: 16 long guns, 3 handguns, 3,451 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, 43 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, 60 magazines for 5.56 mm rifles, and 3 magazines for handguns.

The seizure of this material directly undermines the illegal group’s armed capabilities, preventing these weapons from being used to commit terrorist acts, intimidate the population, or attack law enforcement.

Furthermore, the institution reaffirms its commitment to continue conducting sustained military operations to neutralize threats to security, protect the most vulnerable communities, and create conditions for the consolidation of peace and development in the region.