National Army neutralizes warehouse containing explosive materials intended for use in terrorist acts in La Macarena

The materials were reportedly intended for use in terrorist attacks during the events of August 7, putting both law enforcement and the residents of this region of Meta at risk.

As part of the Ayacucho Plus Campaign Plan, troops from the 35th Rapid Deployment Battalion, part of the 12th Rapid Deployment Force, located an illegal cache in the rural area of Bocana Caño Gringo of La Macarena. The cache contained 130 non-electric detonators, 8 containers of black gunpowder, 11 cylinder-type launchers, and 101 explosive devices. Of the latter, 61 were primed and wired with electric detonators.

Once the area was secured, specialized personnel from the unit’s explosive ordnance disposal and neutralization team applied established technical procedures for the identification, handling, and controlled destruction of the material, neutralizing the threat without harming the population.

This outcome demonstrates the professional and ongoing preparedness of the National Army personnel tasked with responding to situations involving explosive materials, thereby reducing the risks associated with their handling and potential activation.

According to preliminary information, these items are believed to belong to the residual organized armed group Jorge Suárez Briceño Bloc, Ever Castro Structure, and were allegedly intended for use in carrying out terrorist acts during events related to the presidential inauguration on August 7, with the aim of causing anxiety and undermining the security forces.

The potential use of such devices in areas where civilians travel or reside poses a serious risk to the lives and safety of communities and violates the principles of distinction, precaution, and protection of the civilian population enshrined in international humanitarian law.

The Omega Task Force rejects the use of explosive devices and means that may have indiscriminate effects on the civilian population and will continue to conduct military operations to weaken the capabilities of residual organized armed groups, prevent terrorist acts, and protect the communities of Meta, Guaviare, and Caquetá, with strict respect for human rights and compliance with international humanitarian law.