A member of the Gulf Clan, the largest criminal gang in Colombia, linked to an alleged plan to attack President Gustavo Petro, was killed by the Army in Dovio, Valle del Cauca department (southwest), reported Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez.
Pedro Sánchez stated: "Our Military Forces and National Police eliminated one of the criminals who intended to attack the life and integrity of our President of the Republic." The man, identified as Santander Franco Jiménez, alias 'Omar' or 'Nino', was responsible for "numerous terrorist acts against uniformed officers and the civilian population."
According to General Carlos Fernando Triana, director of the Colombian National Police, the deceased had been with the Gulf Clan for 25 years and was trusted by the gang's top leader, Jobanis de Jesús Ávila, alias 'Chiquito Malo'.
During the operation, four camps capable of housing 30 terrorists were also found. Additionally, explosives, logistical materials, and communication equipment were seized, as detailed by the Ministry of Defense.
President Petro has previously reported alleged plans against him. In this context, on February 18, he stated that drug traffickers purchased two missiles to attack the presidential plane due to his government's actions against the country's mafias.
Petro has expressed concern for his safety since last September when the DEA alerted him to a plan to assassinate him. During his term, he has mentioned the possibility of a coup against him, fueling the idea through his social media and public speeches.
The impact of this operation on the Gulf Clan significantly affects its command, control, and financial capacity, according to General Luis Carlos Córdoba, commander in charge of the Armed Forces. The operation achieved a direct blow to the structure of the criminal gang in question.
