In a decisive blow against illegal armed groups in Colombia’s Nariño department, Colombian Armed Forces successfully neutralized alias Hermes, identified as the fourth-in-command of the Alfonso Cano Block within the ‘Segunda Marquetalia’ faction of Farc dissidents. The operation, conducted on Sunday, June 23rd, targeted rural areas near Roberto Payán, Nariño.
During the engagement, Colombian military personnel also rescued a minor who had engaged them with gunfire while armed with a rifle. Despite sustaining serious injuries, three guerrilla members managed to evade capture upon realizing the presence of security forces in the area.
This criminal, who was neutralized by the authorities, had a criminal record within the guerrilla for over 17 years and was responsible for multiple crimes such as forced recruitment of minors, targeted killings, kidnappings, control of routes, and drug trafficking.
Additionally, alias Hermes had taken refuge in the peace process in 2016 but apparently continued to commit crimes while in the Betania Transitional Normalization Veredal Zone, located in the municipality of Policarpa (Nariño).
According to reports, this dangerous 50-year-old leader was an expert in carrying out terrorist attacks against the civilian population and the Public Forces.
Having served over eight years in Farc’s Front 29, alias Hermes amassed experience in orchestrating terrorist actions against both local communities and Colombia’s military forces. Notably, he participated in the peace process initiated by President Juan Manuel Santos in 2016 and later integrated into the Betania Transitional Normalization Veredal Zone in rural Policarpa, Nariño. Despite these efforts, Colombian intelligence agencies underscored that alias Hermes had continued his criminal activities unabated.
The neutralization of alias Hermes marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts by Colombian authorities to dismantle illegal armed groups threatening regional security and stability. Operations persist as security forces remain vigilant against the resurgence of such factions across the region.
This development underscores the challenges faced in the post-conflict landscape of Colombia, where remnants of armed groups continue to pose threats to peace and stability despite previous peace agreements.