Colombian Army troops foiled the kidnapping of five people, including a minor, during an operation on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca. The clash resulted in one criminal dead and two injured in stable condition. Authorities seized weapons and items to identify those responsible.
In a swift operation in the La Cabuyera sector, along the Pan-American Highway connecting Popayán to Cali, units from the No. 7 Light Infantry Battalion of the Colombian National Army intercepted a vehicle where an illegal armed group was holding five people, including a minor. The Cauca department has long been plagued by violence in this strategic area.
Brigadier General Alirio Aponte Sepúlveda, commander of the 29th Brigade, stated that the intervention led to a shootout. “During the operation, an exchange of gunfire occurred, in which one of the criminals was wounded and later died in a hospital,” the officer detailed.
In the firefight, an Army subofficer and one of the civilians were injured but received care at a medical facility and are reported stable. The minor sustained no injuries. The forces seized a short firearm, ammunition of various calibers, a USB memory stick, and garments exclusive to the Public Force, which are under judicial analysis to clarify the case.
General Aponte confirmed that operations continue in coordination with the National Police. “Control posts, inspections, and territorial presence have been reinforced to ensure security on this highway corridor and protect the community,” he affirmed. The Pan-American Highway has seen recent attacks on public forces, prompting increased security measures on this link between Cauca and Valle del Cauca.