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The army said on X that troops entered the town of Carmelo, in
the Cauca department, to restore order after “terrorist actions”
that appeared to be in response to a police operation against
criminal groups in the area.
Operating in the region are dissidents of the notorious FARC
rebel group who do not accept the 2016 peace agreement. The FARC
for decades fought the government, carrying out assassinations,
hijackings and bombings to undermine authorities in Bogota.
The dissidents are under the command of Néstor Gregorio Vera,
known as Iván Mordisco, who is one of the most wanted
individuals in the country. His factions withdrew from peace
talks with the government of Gustavo Petro.
The Colombian army said the armed groups used local residents as
human shields to prevent troops from entering the area to
support police efforts.
The governor of Cauca, Octavio Guzmán, said on X that he made an
urgent call to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez to ask for the
restoration public order and the protection of the local
population.
Local press shared videos apparently recorded by residents
taking shelter from gunfire. Other videos show the attack on the
police station with gunfire and grenades, as the ambushed
officers cried out for help.
At least three police officers were injured in a similar attack
in the Cauca department late August.
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