Colombian army personnel standing guard at a checkpoint. File photo for representational purposes only.
Bogota: A senior commander of Colombia’s largest criminal organisation, the Gulf Clan, was among eight people killed in a military air strike, President Abelardo de la Espriella said Wednesday.
Confirming the outcome of the raid, President De la Espriella stated that Haminton Mosquera, who was identified as a high-ranking figure within the gang and one of the security forces' 10 "priority targets"—had been "brought down."
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the President said: "The preliminary result: eight neutralized, including Haminton Mosquera, alias 'Negro Perea,' the primary leader of this structure, who had a criminal history spanning more than 20 years."
Mosquera, according to the president, was accused of ordering homicides, forced displacements, and attacks against security forces.
He also said that five rifles, two pistols, four antipersonnel mines and communications equipment were also seized in addition to a camp used to coordinate criminal activities that was also destroyed.
"I warn the leaders of these organizations: you will find no place to hide or peace as long as you continue to murder, extort, and terrorize Colombians," the president said.
