The night of Friday, May 3, witnessed violent clashes in the rural area of Algeria, Cauca, between the troops of the National Army and members of the Carlos Patiño structure, part of the self-proclaimed Central General Staff of the FARC dissidents. According to initial reports, these combats arose in response to offensive actions by the Military Forces, focused on guaranteeing the security of the civilian population in an area marked by the escalation of the armed conflict.
During the confrontation, the armed forces managed to capture five individuals linked to the illegal structure in flagrante delicto, who were found with weapons and uniforms. In addition, three members of the EMC lost their lives in the armed clash, while a forcibly recruited minor was rescued.
The situation became even more intense when Army ground units were preparing to prepare land for the landing of an aircraft used in evacuation work. A UH-60 helicopter, which was trying to extract the bodies of the fallen militiamen and the rescued girl, was attacked from the ground by members of the Carlos Patiño structure. Although the bullets hit the propeller, the operation was not interrupted.
In the combat area, it is estimated that the EMC has around 150 troops, contrasting with the scarce 15 soldiers present in the area. Faced with the attack, the troops on the ground executed a successful defensive maneuver and managed to secure the position, receiving air and artillery support to maintain control.
In addition to these clashes in Algeria, similar clashes between the military and EMC militiamen were reported in the rural area of Toribío. Two professional soldiers lost their lives in the La Playa village, related to the Dagoberto Ramos structure, also of the Central General Staff.
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