Army neutralizes explosive, ending blockade on northern Antioquia highway

After nearly 48 hours of tension, mobility has been restored on the vital Medellín-Ituango highway in Colombia's Antioquia province. Army units, supported by explosive detection dogs, successfully neutralized a powerful explosive device hidden inside a cylinder. The device was planted by Substructure 18, a dissident faction of the FARC, on the San Andrés de Cuerquia–Ituango stretch near the Los Galgos village.

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After almost 48 hours of the road connecting Ituango with Medellín being disabled, our soldiers deactivated the explosive charge left by FARC criminals. From the Government of Antioquia, our recognition to the uniformed officers for their bravery, with the support of the faithful canines. May God always pay them and keep them safe.

Governor Andrés Julián Rendón praised the bravery of the soldiers and canines involved, highlighting that the operation prevented an attack on civilians. He noted that the FARC dissidents and the 'Clan del Golfo' are active in the region. The neutralization involved specialized technical intervention and controlled destruction of the artifact, along with the removal of a flag associated with the armed group. The road is now open, with no reported damage to civilians or infrastructure.

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Specialized personnel technically intervened and controlledly destroyed the device. A flag alluding to this armed group was also removed. After neutralizing this threat, transit was normalized along this road, without affecting the population, infrastructure, or military personnel.

Brigadier General Eduardo Arias Rojas, commander of the Seventh Division of the Army, warned about the deceptive tactics employed by illegal organizations. These groups often use conspicuous items like cylinders as bait to lure military personnel while concealing actual explosive charges nearby. Military intelligence indicates this particular act was intended to alleviate pressure from operations targeting Structure 36 in Briceño.

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Illegal organizations often install eye-catching elements, like cylinders or cans, as traps to attract uniformed personnel, while hiding the real explosive charges in nearby areas.