Security forces kill 3 FARC dissidents in Buga operation, Colombia

Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella announced a major blow against FARC dissidents on Thursday, reporting that security forces neutralized three members of the Structure 57 “Jair Bermúdez” group in the municipality of Buga, Valle del Cauca.

Among those killed was alias “Norton” (identified in reports as Juan Sebastián Tovar Parra), described as the group’s third-ranking commander and chief of finances. One other member was captured. Authorities also seized one long gun and three handguns.

In a post on X, the president wrote: “In Buga, Valle del Cauca, we struck the command and finances of the narcoterrorists of the FARC dissidents, Structure 57 ‘Jair Bermúdez.’ The preliminary balance leaves three members neutralized, including alias ‘Norton,’ third leader and finance chief of the structure. Another member was captured. We also seized one long weapon and three short weapons.”

He praised the joint work of the Army, National Police, Colombian Air Force, and the CTI (Technical Investigation Corps) of the Attorney General’s Office.

Photos released with the announcement show security forces presenting seized weapons and other evidence, along with body bags from the operation. The action targeted the group’s leadership and financial networks in the region, where the Structure 57 has been linked to extortion, kidnappings, and other crimes.

The operation forms part of the De La Espriella administration’s hardline approach to armed groups following his inauguration earlier this year.