Colombia Probes Reported Death of Caribbean Armed Group Leader ‘Bendito Menor’
Nain Andres Perez Toncel, known by the aliases “Bendito Menor” or “Nain,” the leader of the illegal armed group known as the Conquering Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), is believed to have died during a Public Force operation in Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, in the early hours of Friday, September 4. […]
Colombian authorities are investigating the reported death of "Bendito Menor," the leader of the Conquering Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), a criminal organization active in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Colombian Caribbean. The 26-year-old leader, also known as Nain Andres Perez Toncel, was allegedly killed during a Public Force operation in Riohacha, La Guajira, on Friday morning.
His partner and two security detail members are also believed to have died in the confrontation. The operation reportedly followed intelligence work locating Perez Toncel in the capital of La Guajira. The ACSN, a remnant of demobilized paramilitary forces, has maintained operations in the Sierra Nevada and the eastern Caribbean for years.
President Abelardo De la Espriella had previously warned of "big news" regarding the group, and is expected to visit La Guajira to learn about the operation's outcome. The ACSN has denied claims that they were responsible for the leader's death, and authorities are working to confirm the circumstances of his death.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
