ELN sniper arrested over alleged plot to attack President De la Espriella

Colombian authorities announced the capture of an alleged ELN sniper accused of helping plan an attack against President Abelardo De la Espriella. Police identified the suspect as alias Firu or Firulais, who was arrested Thursday in Ocaña, in the northeastern department of Norte de Santander near Venezuela.

The arrest took place during Operation Esparta, coordinated by the National Police through its Criminal Investigation and Interpol Directorate, known as Dijín. De la Espriella announced the capture on X, writing: “The ELN sniper who participated in planning an attack against my life has been captured!”

According to the president, Firu belonged to the ELN’s Camilo Torres Restrepo Front and specialized as a sniper. Intelligence information indicated that the Nororiente War Front’s General Staff had designated him to help plan and carry out an armed action against the president. The ELN unit controls part of the Catatumbo region.

Authorities also accuse Firu of involvement in the killing of three police officers in Río de Oro, in the department of Cesar, and in explosive attacks against security forces. He had an outstanding arrest warrant for aggravated homicide of a protected person and the manufacture, trafficking or carrying of firearms.

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The ELN sniper who participated in planning an attack against my life has been captured!