The National Army captured an alleged member of the ELN-GAO along with significant quantities of war material and explosives, which posed a threat to the residents of Santander

During military operations, troops from the Chicamocha Military GAULA of the Fifth Brigade, in coordination with the National Police and through a search warrant executed in the rural area of Monte Chiquito, municipality of Tona, Santander, captured alias Jorge, an alleged member of the Terrorism Support Networks of the Northeastern War Front of the ELN GAO.

During the operation, eight firearms were seized, including four shotguns, two revolvers, and two pistols, as well as ammunition of various calibers, communication radios, quartermaster material, ELN-related propaganda, and leaflets used to intimidate the population.

Likewise, the troops found approximately 32 kilograms of R-1-type explosives, which were destroyed in a controlled manner on site by specialized personnel from the 5th Combat Engineer Battalion. This quantity represented a significant volume of explosive material, and its neutralization eliminated a high-impact threat to the civilian population, the security forces, and the department’s strategic infrastructure.

According to military intelligence reports, the suspect exerted criminal influence in Bucaramanga, Tona, and Charta, where he allegedly participated in acts of intimidation, extortion, and logistical support for the ELN. In addition, he is accused of allegedly participating in the burning of a vehicle, the burning of a home, an attempted homicide, the distribution of intimidating leaflets, and the planning of a possible terrorist attack using explosives in the region. He is also the subject of an ongoing investigation for the alleged crime of manufacturing, trafficking, carrying, or possessing firearms, accessories, parts, or ammunition.

With this outcome, the National Army has weakened the ELN’s criminal and logistical capabilities in Santander, preventing this military equipment from being used to harm the civilian population or the security forces. Thus, military operations continue steadily in the region to protect the safety of Colombians. To this end, the public is encouraged to report any incident that threatens public safety via the Military Gaula hotline at 147 or the anti-terrorism hotline at 107.