Two members of the GAOr 33 surrender to authorities in Catatumbo

In recent hours, soldiers from the Vulcano Task Force have brought two members of the GAOr 33 to justice in the municipalities of El Tarra and Tibú, Norte de Santander, as part of the Ayacucho Plus Campaign Plan. This reflects the impact of this strategy, which seeks to weaken the capabilities of organized armed groups in the Catatumbo region and protect the civilian population.

The first case occurred in a rural area of El Tarra, where a foreign national presented himself to troops from the 11th Ground Operations Battalion. The individual reported having been subjected to torture and ill-treatment by GAOr 33 leaders, who forced him to participate in armed actions against the civilian population. His decision to surrender to the authorities came after he escaped this situation of violence.

The second surrender occurred in a rural area of Tibú, when another member of GAOr 33 voluntarily approached troops from the 30th Combat Engineer Battalion. The man stated that his commander had forced him to continue performing logistical tasks against his will. After surrendering, he received immediate assistance from combat medics and was evacuated by air.

Both individuals were handed over to the competent authorities to continue their surrender processes, in compliance with the protocols established by the Humanitarian Assistance Group for Demobilized Combatants, ensuring respect for human rights and the social reintegration of those who lay down their arms.

During the first half of 2026, the Vulcano Task Force succeeded in bringing 15 members of GAOr 33 under control and in rescuing nine minors, six of whom were held by this group and three by the GAO ELN.

These results reflect the impact of military operations in the Catatumbo region and the institutional commitment to restoring security and protecting the civilian population in one of the most critical areas of the Colombian armed conflict.