2024-09-30 00:16:30
With this reorganization, the Gaula Command will be made up of highly trained men and women from the National Army, the Colombian Navy and the Colombian Air Force, who will be in charge of intensifying security operations.
The Vice Minister of Defense, Daniela Gómez, highlighted the importance of this change: «Previously, the leadership of the Gaula was not concentrated in a single command, but depended on various units. Now, with this transformation, the Gaula will be able to dedicate 100% of their efforts exclusively to extortion and kidnapping.«. This change is key, since previously the Gaula had to divide their time and resources between multiple crimes, which affected the effectiveness in the fight against these scourges.
Colonel Giovanni Montañez, Commander of the Gaula Military Groups, highlighted that this new approach will enhance the operational and investigative capabilities of the command. «The incorporation of 1,200 more men under Plan 16,000 reinforces not only our operationsbut also our capabilities in intelligence, prevention and coordination with the Attorney General’s Office,” explained Montañez.
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New Gaula groups
In its expansion strategy, the Gaula Command will activate two new groups in critical areas of the country. “One of the new Gaula will be located in Magdalena Medio, attached to the 5th Brigade in Barrancabermeja, and the other will operate in the department of Vichada, in eastern Colombia,” reported Colonel Montañez. These units will have the mission of combating crime in areas where criminal groups have increased their criminal activity.
Prevention and citizen protection
In addition to operational strengthening, the Gaula Command will continue to develop its awareness campaign “I don’t pay, I report,” which seeks to educate citizens about the correct steps to follow in cases of kidnapping or extortion. This initiative is a fundamental part of prevention strategies, and will be complemented by strengthening campaigns to encourage reporting through national hotline 147, a confidential channel designed to protect victims.
Creation of new Police Gaula groups
For its part, the National Police has also intensified its efforts against extortion and kidnapping with the creation of new Gaula groups in the Colombian Caribbean. This year the Gaula of the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla and Cartagena were activated, and in the remainder of the year the creation of two new groups is expected in Cúcuta and Santa Marta.
Colonel Elver Vicente Alfonso Sanabria, director of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Extortion Group of the National Police, explained that the objective is to combat criminal actors that affect coexistence in these regions, such as the ‘Aragua Train’ in Cúcuta and the ‘AK 47’ in Santa Marta. “We are committed to eradicating these structures that threaten the tranquility of our communities,” concluded Colonel Sanabria.
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