Capture of Alias Miguel Ángel: A Major Blow to FARC Dissidents in Tolima
In a significant operation conducted in Tolima, Colombia, authorities successfully apprehended alias Miguel Ángel, the alleged leader of Iván Mordisco’s dissidents. This coordinated effort involved the Army’s Sixth Brigade, the Tolima Police, and the Prosecutor’s Office, marking a strategic victory against organized crime in the region.
Details of the Operation
The operation took place in the municipality of Ataco, specifically in the La Ensillada village of the Puente Amarillo sector. This initiative aimed not only to arrest Miguel Ángel but also to dismantle the Gerónimo Galeano structure of the FARC dissidents. In addition to Miguel Ángel, three other members of this illegal armed group were apprehended. The authorities also managed to rescue a minor who had been forcibly recruited by the organization during this decisive intervention.
Miguel Ángel is described as the financial architect of the Gerónimo Galeano Commission, boasting over 12 years of experience with various illegal armed groups. His leadership role within this faction underscores the importance of this capture in disrupting their operations.
Background of the Gerónimo Galeano Commission
The Gerónimo Galeano Commission is notorious for extorting local businesses and miners involved in illegal gold mining. Reports indicate that the revenues generated by these criminal activities were utilized to bolster the illegal operations of the Isaías Pardo Central Block, a faction closely tied to the dissidents led by Iván Mordisco. This structure’s primary focus on extortion exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing organized crime in the region.
Seized Weapons and Equipment
During the operation, the National Army seized an impressive cache of weapons and materials, including five rifles, a pistol, twenty magazines, various caliber cartridges, artisanal explosives, and communication equipment. Brigadier General Arnold Esneider Pérez Linares, commander of the Sixth Brigade, emphasized the importance of this operation in neutralizing the financial and logistical capabilities of the Gerónimo Galeano Commission.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are currently investigating the group’s involvement in at least 17 homicides recorded between 2025 and 2026 in the municipality of Ataco. Such violent incidents have kept the civilian population on edge, further complicating efforts to restore security in the region. The structure is also suspected of intimidating local residents to deter political participation, as demonstrated by a recent incident involving a banner prohibiting a political party’s entry into the area.
Community Engagement and Future Operations
The capture of Miguel Ángel and his associates represents a critical blow to the operational capacity of Iván Mordisco’s dissidents in southern Tolima. The Army’s Sixth Brigade has pledged to continue its military operations, fostering community safety and discouraging further criminal activity.
Authorities have urged local citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through designated hotlines, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating organized crime.