Colombia’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, initiated Operation Urano in Valledupar on Monday, deploying a coordinated military and police force to dismantle the illegal fuel theft operations fueling organized crime. The effort unites nearly 1,200 personnel from the army, navy, air force, and national police alongside prosecutors and intelligence agencies. Their focus spans the entire black-market fuel chain, from theft to final resale, with a particular emphasis on disrupting storage, transport, and distribution networks tied to narcotics trafficking and illegal mining.
The operation’s first phase targets the southern Cesar department and the Magdalena Medio region, but plans call for expansion into the Catatumbo corridor, a known stronghold for armed groups such as the ELN and the Clan del Golfo. Colonel Óscar Fernando Reyes leads the task force, which integrates judicial police and criminal intelligence units to expedite prosecutions. This structured approach contrasts with previous efforts that depended on isolated raids.
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Since launching on September 1, the operation has already recovered over 100,000 gallons of stolen fuel, made 21 arrests linked to hydrocarbon crimes, and confiscated 22 vehicles and 46 illegal valves. Authorities estimate these actions have diverted more than $58.000 millones from criminal finances, though De la Espriella stressed that sustained progress is essential. “The mission continues until we sever the financial lifeline of these groups and prevent their recovery,” he stated.
De la Espriella’s administration has not disclosed a timeline for extending the operation beyond its current zones.
