Colombian Authorities Capture FARC Dissident Leader in Antioquia Operation

Colombian security forces captured Néider Yesid Uñates López, a prominent leader of FARC dissidents, during a military operation in the municipality of Briceño on November 14, 2026. The operation took place in the village of Santa Ana within the department of Antioquia. Uñates López, who is known by the alias "Primo Gay," serves as the leader of sub-structure 5 of the FARC dissidents under the Calarcá faction.

The joint operation involved the National Army Seventh Division, the Attorney General's Office, and the National Police. During the raid, authorities captured two people and seized two 9mm pistols along with magazines and ammunition. Uñates López has been wanted for several serious offenses, including aggravated homicide, aggravated conspiracy to commit a crime, and various offenses related to firearms and ammunition.

Alleged Criminal Activities and Affiliations

The detainee is linked to several criminal organizations and has been implicated in numerous violent activities. According to official reports, Uñates López allegedly maintained criminal links with the Clan del Golfo and had alleged alliances with the ELN. The detainee was allegedly responsible for extortion, kidnappings, and various attacks against public infrastructure. Specific allegations include responsibility for attacks against energy towers in Medellín and the installation of landmines.

The detainee was also allegedly involved in the murder of a journalist named Mateo. Furthermore, authorities allege that Uñates López was responsible for the forced displacement of rural communities and for extorting merchants, livestock owners, and miners. He was also allegedly involved in attacks against members of the public force. Following the capture, Uñates López was transferred to Medellín to face legal proceedings.

Official Responses to the Operation

Government and regional officials characterized the operation as a significant victory against organized crime. Defense Minister Jorge Mora stated that the operation was a decisive blow to narcoterrorism in Antioquia. President Abelardo de la Espriella said the capture is a blow to narcoterrorism and noted that the detainee is linked to landmines and infrastructure attacks.

Regional leaders also commented on the significance of the arrest. Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez stated that the detainee is one of the worst criminals in Antioquia and Colombia. Governor of Antioquia Andrés Julián Rendón described the event as one more criminal neutralized. The territory in Antioquia remains a high-tension area due to the convergence of multiple armed groups disputing drug trafficking routes.

Glossary

• FARC dissidents — FARC dissidents are a group involved in criminal activities such as drug smuggling. They are organized into sub-structures and factions.
• Briceño — Briceño is a municipality. It is the location where a military operation took place.
• Santa Ana — Santa Ana is a village. It is located within the department of Antioquia.
• Antioquia — Antioquia is a department. It is a territory where multiple armed groups dispute drug trafficking routes.
• Attorney General's Office — The Attorney General's Office is a government entity. It participated in a military operation alongside the National Army and the National Police.