Alias 'Vivi Puñaleto' Arrested in Security Crackdown Ahead of Presidential Elections in Guaviare

Colombian authorities have captured a high-value dissident FARC member, identified as alias ‘Vivi Puñaleto,’ in the eastern department of Guaviare. The arrest is part of ongoing security operations conducted by the Army's Omega Task Force in the region.

According to the National Army, ‘Vivi Puñaleto’ is allegedly a member of the Jorge Briceño bloc, a dissident faction currently under the command of alias Calarcá. Military intelligence suggests the individual is connected to numerous criminal acts in the Meta and Guaviare departments, including the deployment of improvised explosive devices in rural areas.

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The operation that allowed the captures was developed jointly between the Battalion of Direct Action and Reconnaissance No. 1 of the National Army, the Colombian Aerospace Force and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol (Dijín) of the National Police.

‘Vivi Puñaleto’ is also suspected of involvement in an attack on May 13 in San José del Guaviare, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers from the Rapid Deployment Force No. 1. These soldiers were reportedly engaged in security duties related to the first round of presidential elections at the time of the attack.

The operation leading to the capture was a joint effort involving the Army's No. 1 Direct Action and Reconnaissance Battalion, the Colombian Aerospace Force, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol (Dijín) of the National Police. The arrest took place in the San Antonio Alto village, within the Puerto Cachicamo inspection area of San José del Guaviare municipality. Authorities seized a 9-millimeter pistol, a magazine, and ammunition during the operation. ‘Vivi Puñaleto’ faces arrest warrants for homicide, aggravated homicide, conspiracy to commit crimes, and illegal possession of firearms.

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The Omega Task Force will maintain military operations in southeastern Colombia with the purpose of affecting the capabilities of residual organized armed groups, protecting the civilian population, and guaranteeing security conditions in the territories where these structures maintain a presence.