In an interview with EL TIEMPO this Tuesday morning, Military Forces Commander General Helder Giraldo Bonilla, referring to the situation of Army commander General Luis Ospina, who was accused of using intelligence for his own benefit, said: internal divisions were denied. As well as issues related to public order and the bilateral ceasefire.
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‘Semana’ magazine published an article stating that the Army commander would use intelligence to track the officer’s wife’s English teacher.
If any of us insults the oath of honor we swore, he will have to face the consequences in court. He alone has the power to decide whether someone is guilty or not. We should never question it as this institution is sacred and always deserves to be protected. As soldiers, we must respect all institutions of the state because we are the protectors of the Constitution. Our responsibility is to ensure the security and well-being of our nation, and this includes maintaining respect and cooperation with all the institutions that make up the structure of our society. Harmony and mutual respect are essential in fulfilling our mission. We must never allow our actions or personal interests to jeopardize the integrity and credibility of the Military Forces. Only through dedication, morality and unwavering loyalty can we remain worthy and exemplary soldiers.
Are intelligence and counterintelligence used for personal gain?
No, as the overall commander of the Colombian Military Forces, I have full confidence in his honor, courage and spirit of unity. A soldier’s principles are non-negotiable.
General, is there a division in the Military Forces?
Many ask me this. My answer is no, but in repeated scenarios I always tell my troops not to allow foreign interests to erode our unity, to destroy the integrity that is the basis of our existence; Our personal interests should never be above corporate interests, especially national interests. The desire of a general or an admiral cannot be other than strengthening and growing our institution. We serve our nation by serving the Military Forces; and a nation with combined Military Forces is an invincible nation.
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What is your message?
I want to send a message to generals, admirals, every commander at their level, our officers, petty officers, privates and sailors, I want to invite them to reflect and internalize the values that define us as soldiers. excellent guys. Honor, loyalty and fidelity. Honor is the core of our commitment, respect for the ethics, principles and values that guide us in every action we take. Honor is demonstrated not only on the battlefield, but also in our daily actions by respecting our colleagues, our institutions, and the citizens we serve.
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On other issues, how do you see Colombia in terms of security?
There are ongoing threats on national territory, but the Military Forces continue to fulfill their constitutional mission and we will act forcefully against these threats. That is why I insist on the effectiveness of the Ayacucho Joint Strategic Plan, but we recognize that we are facing a great challenge and a great challenge; The desire for peace must mean greater security for all Colombians.
Did the suspension of the bilateral agreement affect operations?
We suspend offensive military operations without prejudice to compliance with the Constitutional and legal obligations of the Military Forces to protect the integrity of the national territory. Although we are in the midst of complying with the ceasefire orders, first and foremost is the protection of the public as a pillar of our Ayacucho Campaign Plan. We carry out defense, stabilization and support operations against civilian authorities day and night, for example, existing arrest warrants must be complied with.
What is happening in Micay Canyon, the development of Operation Trueno and the opposition?
We continue to be present in Micay Canyon, conducting security operations and operations against illegal economies. The military intervention was strong and made it possible to remove illegal control in this important part of the country. In this unprecedented military operation, we managed to bring 21 members of the opposition to justice, rescue seven children who were forcibly recruited, capture 19 of its members, 20 members of this group died during military operations and its military capacity was weakened. By capturing a large amount of war materials and taking control of the high points in the Micay canyon. I would like to commemorate our three soldiers who were martyred in this operation that cost us our blood; I would like to thank the three amputees in uniform and the 36 injured in our ranks.
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What is the value of this geographical point for the opponents?
Approximately 70 percent of pharmaceutical production in the Cauca region is concentrated in the Micay canyon, with more than 18,700 hectares of coca crops; this is the largest collection center in the region; This was a coca growing region and the stronghold of the self-proclaimed FARC’s ‘Central General Staff’. The canyon connects the Nariño Pacific to the Cauca Pacific, making it a strategic corridor of illicit economies.
What’s happening in El Plateado?
The community of El Plateado feels safe with the presence of Public Power; It is the ‘Central General Staff’ that instrumentalises and threatens the people. In this region, united action of the state is essential. We have seen videos showing how the opposition camps in the immediate vicinity of this town, how they operate in the midst of the population, endangering the integrity of this society. They must show that they have a genuine intention towards peace; Otherwise, Military Forces will act with all their might.
Will soldiers remain in the region?
They stay in Micay Canyon, operations against illegal economies continue, control of the high points is permanent. The ceasefire does not mean that our mission is restricted in any way, and therefore operations against illegal economies continue.
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How is the bilateral ceasefire with the ELN going?
Military Forces fully complied with the ceasefire decisions. Regarding criminal acts carried out by the ELN, there will be a monitoring and verification mechanism to evaluate whether these constitute a violation of the stop. The situation is very serious, like what happened to the father of our football player Lucho Díaz recently.
So what do you think about the kidnapping?
In Colombia, there can be no citizens kidnapped by any group outside the law. Unlawful deprivation of personal freedom constitutes a violation of human rights. From the first moment, approximately 200 soldiers from the Military Gaula were deployed with aircraft belonging to our forces, working in coordination with the National Police. Once the release protocol began, we repositioned our troops to guarantee security for Don Luis.
How many kidnappings did the ELN carry out this year and how many people were kidnapped?
With the kidnapping of Lucho Díaz’s father, we have a report from the census table showing 33 kidnappings by the ELN in 2023; Two individuals remain in captivity. We demand his release from the ELN.
Does the ELN need to be funded to stop kidnappings because people say they are poor?
I prefer not to comment on this matter.
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How is the ceasefire going with the opponents of ‘Iván Mordisco’?
As with the ELN, we complied with the cease-and-desist order ordered by the National Government. Commanders at all levels must continue to comply with the provisions of the guidelines and regulations and apply appropriate techniques, tactics and procedures, especially those related to maintaining the strength and security of their units.
Military operations continue.
It is important to reiterate land, river, sea and air military operations against drug trafficking, illegal mining of mineral deposits, illegal extraction of natural resources, kidnapping, extortion, recruitment of minors, smuggling, smuggling and illegal arms carrying, and Others. Behaviors requiring punishment prescribed in the Colombian criminal code are evolving. For example, what happened in Chocó is a product of this, a criminal dispute between the ELN and the ‘Gulf clan’, where we have strengthened our apparatus with more Army detachments and a strong component of the Navy to counter the criminals’ intentions. from these groups.
Is drug trafficking the driving force of these groups?
Drug trafficking remains the main fuel and source of funding for organized armed groups; This is followed by illegal use of mineral deposits, extortion and kidnapping.
And the results…
What was done this year surpassed what was done last year. The concept of conjuncture has allowed us to be more effective in interdicting and combating illicit economies in general. For example, we captured 1,369 members of different illegal groups against drug trafficking, 1,059 illegal warehouses were destroyed, 986 explosives were neutralized, 2,258 drug laboratories were destroyed, 24,981 kilos of coca base were seized, approximately 400 tons (396,885 kilos) of cocaine were seized. captured. Seizures of liquid and solid inputs were double those made last year.
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How do you see FF? MM.?
In line with the Ayacucho Joint Strategic Campaign Plan, today they are more professional, modern, educated, respectful of human rights and international humanitarian law. We carry out military operations every day against elements of instability that threaten the security of the nation and the guarantors of the constitutional order. The true strength of a nation lies in its undeniable and enduring military loyalty, which does not waver or waver in the face of difficulties and troubles, and which cannot be measured by the size of its weapons or the number of its soldiers. but for their spirit and honesty.
Alicia Liliana Mendez
Acting editor
Justice Department:
On X: @JusticiaET
@AyitoMendez
Source: Exame
