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In a significant blow to the armed structure of the Gulf Clanthe Army and the National Police of Colombia seized 10 high-caliber rifles in the town of San Sebastián de Palmitas, in the south of Medellín. The arsenal, which was hidden in two vehicles, was going to be transported to the Urabá subregion, a strategic area controlled by the criminal organization. The discovery, made during a checkpoint, is considered one of the largest seizures of weapons in the area in recent months.
The operation took place last Tuesday morning, when units of the Military Police Battalion No. 4with the support of the Judicial Police (DIJIN), set up a security device on the road that connects Medellín with Urabá. According to the authorities, the operation was the result of an alert about a possible mobilization of war material destined for the Clan del Golfo structures, specifically the “Carlos Vázquez” substructure, which operates in the Urabá region.
Although the occupants of the vehicles tried to flee when they were intercepted, the deployment of security forces allowed the weapons to be seized before they could be delivered to the members of the Gulf Clan. The rifles, hidden in two large backpacks, were found in a thorough search carried out by the authorities in the vehicles, and their total value was estimated at approximately 250 million pesos.
Los 10 rifles seized include four R4 rifles caliber 5.56 mm, known for their ability to fire in automatic and semi-automatic mode, with a rate of fire that can reach up to 850 rounds per minute. These rifles have an effective range of approximately 400 meters and are ideal for open field engagements. Furthermore, they found six R1 rifles 7.62 mm caliber, used mainly in urban combat due to its maneuverability and firepower.
According to initial investigations, these weapons were intended to strengthen the firepower of the Clan del Golfo, a criminal group led by De Jesús Villa Díazknown as “El Chiquito Malo”. This organization, which maintains an active presence in several regions of the country, is linked to activities such as drug trafficking, extortion and the forced displacement of communities. The “Carlos Vázquez” substructure of the Clan del Golfo, which operates in Urabá, is one of the most dangerous and active, and has been responsible for several confrontations with the authorities in the area.
He Gulf Clan It is considered one of the most powerful illegal armed groups in Colombia, and its influence extends mainly in the regions of Antioquia, Chocó, Córdoba and Urabá. Its main source of income comes from drug trafficking, but it is also dedicated to activities such as illegal mining, extortion and kidnapping.
This blow to the Gulf Clan comes at a key moment in the fight against organized crime in Colombia, which continues to be one of the biggest challenges for the country’s authorities. The government has intensified operations in several regions affected by the presence of criminal groups, and the seizure of weapons of this caliber represents an important advance in the fight to weaken these armed groups.
Despite the seizure of the weapons, the vehicle occupants They managed to flee before being captured. The authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for this attempted arms delivery and establish the possible transportation route used to take the weapons from Medellín to Urabá. It is suspected that the rifles could have been acquired through the weapons black marketwhere products of illicit origin from various sources circulate.
2024-11-09 19:40:00
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**Interview with Carlos Ramirez, a Security Analyst on the Recent Seizure of Weapons Linked to the Gulf Clan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Carlos. We’ve just heard about a major operation in Medellín where authorities seized 10 high-caliber rifles intended for the Gulf Clan. Can you give us an overview of the significance of this operation?
**Carlos Ramirez:** Thank you for having me. This operation is critical, as it disrupts the flow of military-grade weapons to one of Colombia’s most powerful criminal organizations. The Gulf Clan, under the leadership of “El Chiquito Malo,” has been notorious for its violent tactics and control over drug trafficking routes. Seizing these weapons not only limits their firepower but also sends a strong message that authorities are actively working to combat organized crime.
**Interviewer:** The weapons were reportedly found in vehicles during a checkpoint operation. How effective are these strategies in curbing arms trafficking for criminal organizations?
**Carlos Ramirez:** Checkpoint operations are quite effective, especially when intelligence leads law enforcement to suspect a transfer of arms. In this case, the alert regarding the mobilization of war material allowed authorities to act preemptively. The surprise factor is essential; it can lead to significant seizures that can alter the balance of power between criminal groups and the state.
**Interviewer:** It was mentioned that the rifles included R4 and R1 models, which are quite powerful. How do these types of weapons enhance the capabilities of groups like the Gulf Clan?
**Carlos Ramirez:** The R4 rifles, with high firing rates and effective range, are especially designed for sustained engagements, which enables criminal groups to outgun rival factions or even law enforcement in combat scenarios. The R1 rifles are more maneuverable for urban settings. These weapons significantly boost their operational capabilities, enabling them to carry out violent acts more effectively.
**Interviewer:** What do you anticipate will be the Gulf Clan’s response to this significant loss of firepower?
**Carlos Ramirez:** Criminal organizations are often quick to adapt. They may seek to acquire weapons through alternative means, such as smuggling or purchasing from illicit arms markets. Alternatively, they might shift their focus to other criminal activities. The challenge for authorities is to stay one step ahead in disrupting these supply chains.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what implications does this have for the broader security landscape in Colombia?
**Carlos Ramirez:** This seizure demonstrates a proactive approach by Colombian authorities in tackling armed groups. However, it also highlights the ongoing struggle against a complex web of organized crime that often outmaneuvers law enforcement. Continuous efforts to dismantle supply chains, combined with community engagement and intelligence gathering, are crucial for restoring security in affected regions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlos, for your insights. It’s clear that while this operation was a significant blow to the Gulf Clan, the broader issue of arms trafficking and organized crime in Colombia remains a persistent challenge.
**Carlos Ramirez:** Thank you for having me! It’s a conversation we must keep having as we work towards solutions.