Colombian Military Launches ‘Operation Mantus’ Against Guerrilla

On March 20, 2024, the Colombian military initiated ‘Operation Mantus’ targeting the far-left guerrilla group Estado Mayor Central, which parted ways with the FARC in opposition to the peace agreements with the governement. This military operation is concentrated in the southwest, specifically in the departments of Cauca, Valle del Cauca and Nariño along the Pacific coast, where Estado Mayor Central has a significant presence.

The operation follows Gustavo Petro’s announcement on March 17, 2024, ending the ceasefire with this dissident guerrilla faction after its attacks on indigenous communities in Cauca.

Military operation in the Pacific

Directed by Helder Fernan Giraldo Bonilla, commander of the Military Forces of Colombia, ‘Operation Mantus’ involves 32,000 soldiers, supported from the air by Douglas Ac-47T “ghost planes”, UH60 Black Hawk helicopters and drones.

For now, the Colombian military has disrupted the illicit activities of Estado Mayor Central by confiscating 1.23 tons of marihuana, 1,100 gallons of coca paste, 4,5 tons of coca leaves, 1,321 gallons of chemical liquids and 863kg of solid chemicals used in cocaine processing.

The Colombian military also announced the liberation of two teenagers forcedly recruited and the arrest of several leaders of the guerrilla group. While no significant battles have occurred, the conflict escalated on March 26, 2024, with intensified clashes between the Colombian military and the guerrilla faction, spreading to the departments of Tolima and Huila.

Targeting the guerrilla leadership

The primary aim of ‘Operation Mantus’ is is to capture the leader of the guerrilla, Ivan Mordisco. President Petro, in a public statement on March 22, 2024, emphasized his desire for Mordisco to be captured alive, explicitly instructing, “I want Ivan Mordisco alive; do not kill him.” This statement triggered a response from Mordisco, who accused Gustavo Petro of ingratitude since his group had ‘supported’ Gustavo Petro’s presidential campaign.

The Estado Mayor Central emerged from several FARC factions after the organization dissolved following the peace agreements in November 2016. Founded by Ivan Mordisco and Gentil Duarte, the latter having been killed since then, this group is believed to comprise around 3,500 members and operates in 173 municipalities (accounting for 15 percent of the country’s total).