Colombian Army Has Restored Mobility on the Medellín–ituango Highway in Northern Antioquia After Neutralizing an Explosive Device Planted

The controlled detonation of the cylinder-borne charge took place on the San Andrés de Cuerquia–Ituango stretch near the Los Galgos village, allowing traffic to resume without harm to civilians, infrastructure, or military personnel. Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón confirmed the operation's success and praised the work of military units and anti-explosive dogs. "After nearly 48 hours of the road connecting Ituango with Medellín being disabled, our soldiers deactivated the explosive charge left by FARC criminals.

From the Government of Antioquia, our recognition to the uniformed personnel for their bravery, with the support of the faithful canines." God bless and always protect them, the departmental leader said. The National Army's Fourth Brigade specified that troops from the Light Infantry Battalion No. 10 Colonel Atanasio Girardot, in coordination with the Marte Group, carried out the procedure. Specialized personnel technically intervened and destroyed the device in a controlled manner.

A flag alluding to this armed group was also removed. After neutralizing this threat, traffic on this road corridor was normalized, without affecting the population, infrastructure, or military personnel, military unit spokespersons reported. Seventh Division commander Brigadier General Eduardo Arias Rojas warned about the risks of such findings, explaining that illegal organizations often place eye-catching items—such as cylinders or drums—as traps to attract soldiers while hiding the real explosive charges in surrounding areas.

Military intelligence indicated this action seeks to divert attention and reduce operational pressure that troops maintain against Structure 36 in the municipality of Briceño. Governor Rendón reiterated the presence in the area of structures 18 and 36 of the FARC dissidents, as well as the 'Luis Hernando Rozo Bertel' front of the 'Clan del Golfo'. He urged the National Government to provide institutional support and operational capabilities to the Military Forces to directly pursue criminal leadership in the department. The device had been placed by FARC dissidents, forcing the temporary closure of this important road corridor.