2 Colombian soldiers and 3 dissidents killed in heavy clashes in Valle del Cauca

A military operation in western Colombia has left two soldiers and three members of a dissident armed group dead, the Colombian Army confirmed.

The fighting occurred in the Timba sector of Valle del Cauca department, lasting more than 24 hours, according to an official statement from the Third Division. The operation targeted the "Jaime Martínez" structure, a faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents loyal to alias Iván Mordisco.

The deceased soldiers were identified as professionals Germán Andrés Mora Cubillos and John Janer Moreno Guacarí. Three other soldiers were wounded and are receiving medical treatment in Cali.

Among the rebels killed were two individuals known by the aliases "Pincher" and "Chuzo" . Authorities had linked "Pincher," identified as William Andrés Daza Guetio, to explosives attacks in Cali and extortion activities in the region . The military also seized weapons, ammunition, and communications equipment during the operation.

The army stated that troops remain deployed in the area, and operations are continuing to weaken the armed group's capabilities in southern Valle del Cauca and northern Cauca.