Bendito Menor: Capture of Conquistadores Leader in Colombia

Colombian Authorities move to Take Custody of Alleged Massacre Leader ‘el Bendito Menor’

The operation to apprehend Nain Pérez Toncel, alias ‘Bendito Menor,’ a key figure in the conquistadores Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada, is underway, following accusations of involvement in a recent massacre.

In recent hours, authorities initiated an operation to take into custody Nain Pérez Toncel, known as alias ‘Bendito Menor,’ one of the principal leaders of the Conquistadores of the Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces, an illegal armed group operating primarily in the departments of la Guajira and Magdalena. Official sources indicate the operation to apprehend this man is being carried out Thursday night in the rural area of Bullied, a municipality within La Guajira, involving agents of the public force and the CTI (Technical Investigation Corps) of the Prosecutor’s Office.

Alias ‘bendito Menor’ is suspected of orchestrating a massacre in Maicao, resulting in the deaths of five individuals several weeks ago. “He has become known in the region due to the crimes committed by his illegal group,” a senior official stated.Pérez Toncel has also reportedly utilized social media to disseminate messages, including one that allegedly threatened President Gustavo Petro, a claim he later denied.

Did you know? – The Conquistadores of the Sierra Nevada are a relatively new armed group, emerging in recent years amidst a power vacuum left by the demobilization of other illegal organizations in northern Colombia.

In recent days, units of the military forces have been conducting raids along the Caribbean coast in an effort to locate his whereabouts. President Gustavo Petro is pictured here. [Image of President Gustavo Petro]

Initially, reports indicated that alias ‘Bendito Menor’ had surrendered. Though, authorities clarified that the current operation involves taking him into custody.

Pro tip – Colombia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, through the CTI, specializes in investigating organized crime and often leads operations against illegal armed groups.

The operation to capture Pérez Toncel was prompted by mounting evidence linking him to the Maicao massacre on October 14th,where five people were killed in what authorities believe was a dispute over territory and drug trafficking routes. ‘Bendito Menor’ allegedly ordered the killings to consolidate his group’s control over the region.The Conquistadores of the Sierra Nevada are known to be involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion. The capture operation involved over 100 security personnel, utilizing intelligence gathered over several weeks.

As of early Friday morning, authorities confirmed that Nain Pérez Toncel was successfully taken into custody without incident in a rural hideout near Bullied. He is currently being held at an undisclosed location and faces charges of aggravated homicide, conspiracy to commit crimes, and terrorism. The Prosecutor’s Office has indicated they will seek a preventative detention order to ensure he remains in custody throughout the investigation and trial.

reader question – How might the capture of ‘Bendito Menor’ impact the security situation in La Guajira and Magdalena departments? Share your thoughts.

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Carlos López – @CarlosL49 – [email protected]