In the midst of an attack on soldiers in the village of La Esmeralda, municipality of Tame, Arauca, individuals were arrested in flagrante delicto, apparently members of Structure 10 (E10) and troops also recovered minors.
In the framework of territorial control operations, troops of the Quiron Task Force were attacked with rifle fire by individuals apparently belonging to an armed structure, an action that produced the immediate reaction of the troops, who acted in legitimate defense and in fulfillment of the mission.
Thus, in compliance with the legal system, respect for human rights and compliance with the international humanitarian law, three individuals were arrested, alleged members of the organized armed group E10, who were carrying long- and short-range weapons.
The soldiers found four minors at the scene, including a baby, who were immediately put under the protection of the Colombian Family Wellbeing Institute for the restoration of rights.
Within the framework of the military operation, 6 long weapons, 2 short weapons, 44 magazines and more than 1300 ammunition of different calibers were found by troops, as well as about 150 rounds of linked ammunition.
At the site were found by troops uniforms for exclusive use of the Military Forces, camouflage fabric, multipurpose vests (used to carry ammunition), field equipment, bracelets alluding to the armed group and six communications radios; in the same way troops destroyed under controlled conditions 4 means of launching, 2 gas cylinders with explosives, 2 improvised explosive devices, 4 anti-personnel mines and 3 kilograms of explosive ANFO.
Additionally, the soldiers found a dry seal with the name 鈥淗脡CTOR A._ FARCEP", which would be used to control extortion of money.
Those arrested, as well as the material found, were put into custody of the authorities to continue with the prosecution and investigation procedure, and the respective denunciation was filed with the Attorney General's Office.
Source: Press - Eighth Division of Colombian National Army