Deputy Leader of Colombian Guerrilla Group Killed Ahead of Presidential Runoff

Colombian security forces have eliminated "Marlon," the second-in-command of the powerful EMC guerrilla group, in a significant operation just days before the country's presidential runoff election. President Gustavo Petro announced the death on Saturday via the social media platform X, stating that Marlon "fell in combat."

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez identified Marlon as "the most dangerous murderer, terrorist, and recruiter of minors in the southwest of the country." He further attributed responsibility for a devastating bomb attack in April, which claimed the lives of 21 individuals, to Marlon. Iván Mordisco, the leader of the EMC and Colombia's most wanted criminal, is the head of the group, which originated from former FARC rebels.

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The most dangerous murderer, terrorist, and recruiter of minors in the southwest of the country.

President Petro hailed the operation as "the hardest blow we have dealt to the armed mafia structures in western Colombia," declaring that the EMC group had been "defeated" in the region. Sánchez added that Marlon was "one of the most internationally wanted criminals" and had been on U.S. wanted lists.

The killing occurs at a critical juncture as Colombians prepare to vote in a runoff election on Sunday to decide the successor to Petro. The security situation in Colombia has reportedly deteriorated significantly during Petro's four-year term.

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This is the hardest blow we have dealt to the armed mafia structures in western Colombia.