Military operation in Cauca leaves four dissidents of Mordisco dead, among them alias Ñeque

The Colombian Ministry of Defense has confirmed that authorities are verifying the authenticity of a video featuring Iván Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo, known as "alias Marlon," who was previously reported dead following a military operation on June 20 in San Isidro, a rural area of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca. The video, which surfaced on June 27, shows the alleged leader of the dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) making statements about current political developments in the country. This has raised questions about the official reports of his death and prompted further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his presumed demise.

According to the ministry, initial intelligence reports indicated that "Marlon" had been neutralized during the combat operations conducted in San Isidro. However, since the body was not recovered, the confirmation of his death could not be considered fully verified. The minister emphasized that under Colombian law, the death of a person must be officially recognized through forensic examination and identification procedures. Without these steps, neither the recognition nor the payment of any reward associated with his capture would be appropriate. As such, the government maintains a position of caution and will only announce confirmed facts once all necessary verifications have been completed.

The video circulating online features "Marlon" speaking for nearly nine minutes, addressing topics such as the recent presidential election results and criticizing the current administration's peace policies. He attributes the return of right-wing power to the failure of the so-called "total peace" initiative implemented during the current government’s tenure. Additionally, he criticizes former defense ministers who were affiliated with religious groups, accusing them of prioritizing warfare over serious diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict politically. These remarks are currently under review by official authorities.

Meanwhile, another military operation took place in the department of Cauca on June 29, resulting in the deaths of four members of the dissident group led by "Iván Mordisco." Among those killed was "alias Ñeque," described as the right-hand man of "Marlon," who had reportedly been eliminated weeks earlier in Valle del Cauca. According to the Ministry of Defense, this operation targeted high-value individuals within the terrorist organization. The military stated its objective was to neutralize the main leaders of terrorism operating in the region and highlighted that they were now targeting the second generation of these criminal elements.

Diego Palta Montero, known as "alias Ñeque," faced federal charges in the United States, including attempted support for a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to engage in narcotics trafficking, and possession of firearms and destructive devices intended for drug-related crimes. In Colombia, he was being investigated for homicide, conspiracy to commit extortion, and manufacturing, trafficking, and carrying weapons restricted to the armed forces. At least three arrest warrants had been issued against him by various courts due to multiple offenses.

The ongoing military operations continue in the rural areas of Toribío, where troops maintain their offensive against members of the FARC dissidents loyal to "Iván Mordisco." Local populations remain affected by the ongoing conflicts, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the region. The military has deployed all available resources to counter the threat posed by these dissident factions, emphasizing their commitment to eliminating the leadership structure responsible for continued violence and instability.

As the situation unfolds, the verification process regarding the authenticity of the video featuring "Marlon" remains a critical focus for both the government and the public. Until conclusive evidence emerges, the status of the alleged leader of the FARC dissidents remains uncertain, adding layers of complexity to the already volatile security landscape in Colombia.