'Yesterday I killed that sergeant': chat used to accuse FARC dissident explosives expert of killing soldier with bomb

Colombian authorities have secured a pre-trial detention order against Jaiver Arley Serna, also known as 'Mono Milicio,' a figure accused of being a dangerous explosives expert for the FARC dissident group's 36th front. A judge in Medellín ordered him held in jail as investigations proceed.

Prosecutors accuse Serna of orchestrating numerous terrorist acts and brutal attacks targeting both civilians and security forces in the northern and northeastern regions of Antioquia. He allegedly took on the role of explosives expert in January 2025, becoming directly responsible for creating, planning, and executing improvised explosive attacks.

One of the most serious charges involves the death of Army Sergeant César Leonardo Pardo on September 1, 2025. Serna is accused of planting a bomb on the road between San Andrés de Cuerquia and Toledo. When Sergeant Pardo approached to safely disarm the device, Serna allegedly detonated it remotely, killing the soldier instantly. Evidence presented includes a chat message where Serna reportedly wrote, "old man yesterday I killed that sergeant."

In addition to the sergeant's death, Serna faces charges for a double homicide on March 9, 2025, in rural San Andrés de Cuerquia. The victims were lured to a location under the pretense of needing motorcycle repairs, but prosecutors allege it was a planned ambush.