Elections under heavy guard with anti-drone measures against 'Mordisco,' 'Clan del Golfo,' and ELN

Colombia is implementing a significant security operation, deploying over 11,500 uniformed personnel and offering substantial rewards to safeguard the presidential elections scheduled for May 31. The measures are particularly focused on the Valle del Cauca region and the southwestern part of the country, aiming to prevent terrorist acts and ensure a transparent voting process.

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In Valle del Cauca, there is a great articulation between the institutionality and the Public Force, and that results in us having very calm, secure elections on Sunday, where people will be able to go out and vote and do so transparently without any pressure, freely, and that was ratified today in the security council.

A high-level security council meeting in Cali, attended by the Minister of Defense Pedro Sánchez and local authorities, confirmed the extensive deployment. Governor Dilian Francisca Toro expressed confidence in the security forces' ability to ensure calm and transparent elections, stating that the public will be able to vote freely without pressure. She also assured that security forces are prepared to act against any disruptions by dissident groups.

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But I have to say that the Public Force is also prepared so that, if there is any type of alteration by any dissident group, logically action will be taken.

Minister of Defense Pedro Sánchez highlighted the government's commitment to combating voter coercion, restricted mobility, and vote-buying. He urged citizens to report such activities and potential terrorist threats through the Anticorruption Line 157. The government has announced a reward of up to 200 million pesos for advance information on terrorist attacks, which complements an additional 200 million pesos offered by the Valle del Cauca government.

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We are also offering this reward of 200 million pesos for anyone who provides advance information about these types of terrorist attacks.

The security strategy includes the deployment of infantry, armored vehicles, naval assets, drones, and counter-drone capabilities to protect democracy in southwestern Colombia. Priority actions are being directed against illegal armed groups, specifically the dissidents led by 'Mordisco,' the 'ELN cartel' operating in Buenaventura, the 'Ejército Gaitanista' (EGC), commonly known as the 'Clan del Golfo,' and other criminal organizations. These efforts aim to neutralize threats and ensure the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.

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We will also have infantry, armored, mobility, ships, drones, and counter-drone capabilities deployed to guarantee democracy in southwestern Colombia. Actions against illegal armed groups have been prioritized, mainly the dissidents of alias Mordisco, the drug trafficking cartel of the ELN that operates in the area of Buenaventura, as well as the 'Ejército Gaitanista' or EGC cartel, or more commonly known as 'Clan del Golfo,' and other criminal groups.