Colombian Military Unit Attack Leaves One Soldier Dead, Twelve Injured

An explosive attack on a military facility in Turbo, Colombia, claimed the life of one soldier and left twelve others wounded. The Gulf Clan drug cartel is suspected of carrying out the assault.

On Wednesday, a military unit in western Colombia was attacked with explosives, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to twelve others. The Colombian army attributed the attack to the infamous Gulf Clan drug cartel.

Attack Details

The attack occurred early Wednesday morning at a military facility in Turbo, a municipality located approximately 480 kilometers northwest of Bogota, Colombia's capital. The Colombian Defence Ministry issued a news release attributing the attack to a faction of the Gulf Clan, considered the country's largest active drug cartel. The army has been actively conducting operations against this group.

Reward Offered for Faction Leader's Capture

In response to the attack, the governor of Antioquia, where Turbo is situated, announced a reward of almost USD 12,800 for any information leading to the capture of the faction's leader. Authorities have identified him as Wilder de Jesus Alcaraz, also known by the alias "El Indio."

Colombia's "Total Peace" Plan

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been pursuing a "total peace" initiative aimed at achieving peace agreements with all armed groups in the country, including leftist guerrillas and trafficking organizations. While the government is engaged in ongoing peace negotiations with various organizations, it has faced challenges in holding talks with the Gulf Clan.

Ceasefire and Renewed Military Operations

Last year, the government and the Gulf Clan agreed to a ceasefire. However, the authorities halted the peace talks after accusing the drug cartel of being responsible for attacks during a mining protest. Consequently, the army resumed military operations against the group.

Recent Attack by Dissidents

In December, a separate attack attributed to dissidents from Colombia's once largest rebel movement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), resulted in the deaths of six soldiers and injuries to six others.