Military Uproar in Tierralta, Córdoba: The Unraveling of an Unfortunate Saga

Military Uproar in Tierralta, Córdoba: The Unraveling of an Unfortunate Saga

Investigation Leads to Dismissal of Military Personnel

In the wake of violent incidents in Tierralta, Córdoba, investigations have been launched into the behaviour of some members of the Public Force. Reports emerged of these individuals allegedly threatening civilians, some of whom were children and pregnant women. The outcome of these investigations led to the General Inspection of the Armed Forces and the General Inspection of the National Army recommending the immediate removal of more than ten military personnel from the Army. The list of those recommended for dismissal includes the commander of Brigade 11, Colonel José Edilberto Lesmes.

Dismissal Recommendations: High Command and Soldiers

The recommendations were directed at the high command of the Army and the Armed Forces. They suggested the immediate dismissal of two non-commissioned officers and eight professional soldiers who were part of the military patrol that went to the Bocas del Manso village. The allegations against these officers pertain to their direct involvement in the aggression. These officers had previously been suspended last week by the order of the Army commander, General Luis Mauricio Ospina.

Accountability for Acts of Omission

In addition to those directly involved, the General Inspection of the Armed Forces and the General Inspection of the National Army also recommended the dismissal of others due to acts of omission. Colonel José Edilberto Lesmes, the commander of Brigade 11, and the command sergeant major Juvenal Mahecha, also from the same unit, find their names on this list. The list extends to the second commander, operations and intelligence officers, and the sergeant major of the Infantry Battalion N.33 Battle of Junin.

Public Outcry and Video Evidence

The investigation was triggered when videos began to circulate on social media on Tuesday, September 12. These videos showed a group wielding short and long-range weapons, threatening civilians, including children and pregnant women. Some witness reports also indicated that the men had attempted to abuse an indigenous woman.

Initial Misidentifications and Official Acknowledgement

Initially, these events were incorrectly linked to FARC dissidents. However, later the same day, Army sources confirmed that it could actually be soldiers from the Infantry Battalion No. 33, not members of an armed group. General Helder Fernán Giraldo, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, described the events as “unacceptable” and “intolerable”. He assured that corresponding investigations will be carried out, and the results will not be hidden.

Response from the Attorney General’s Office

In response to these events, the Attorney General’s Office announced the formation of a team of prosecutors and investigators from the National Directorate of Human Rights. This team initiated urgent actions and made their presence known in the territory. Similarly, a special commission from the Attorney General’s Office traveled to the location in question to investigate the events.