Bogota: A significant cache of arms and ammunition, including grenades and missiles, has reportedly gone missing from two military bases in the South American nation of Colombia.
During surprise inspections conducted at Tolemaida Military Base and La Guajira in February and early April, authorities discovered the disappearance of grenades and missiles.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the theft, stating, “On February 12 and April 1, surprise visits were made to two military bases, Tolemaida Military Base and La Guajira. During this time, the disappearance of grenades and missiles was discovered. Many items were found missing.”
The April inspections revealed the theft of thousands of bullets, shells, and 37 anti-cannon missiles from the military bases.
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“One of these military bases is located in the central part of the country while the other is located near the Caribbean coast.”
There are fears that “the ammunition may have fallen into the hands of Colombian rebel organizations or may have been sold illegally to criminal groups in other countries.” There is also suspicion that “these weapons and missiles may also be smuggled into Haiti or sold on the international black market.”
The surprise inspections come as Colombia resumes its fight against the rebel organization ‘FARC-EMC’ in the southwest of the country. After the signing of a peace agreement between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the government in 2016, ‘FARC-EMC’ separated from the rebel organization and formed.
Reportedly missing from the La Guajira base are two Spike missiles, 37 Nimrod missiles, and 550 rocket-propelled grenades. Additionally, approximately 4.2 million bullets and over 9,300 grenades are unaccounted for.
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At Tolemaida Military Base, more than 808,000 bullets and about 10,000 grenades were found missing compared to official records. Colombia’s Defence Minister Ivan Velasquez has ordered an investigation into the missing missiles, grenades, and weapons. Furthermore, some military officers have been relieved of their duties, and the defence minister plans to inspect military bases across the country.
The Colombian Army has engaged in open clashes with armed drug mafias on several occasions. Pablo Escobar, one of the most notorious drug mafia leaders, was among the wealthiest individuals globally. In 1989, Forbes magazine ranked him as the seventh richest person in the world. Despite his death in 1993, the drug trade has continued to flourish in Colombia.
However, the Colombian government is now concerned about whether the missing missiles from military bases may have fallen into the hands of drug mafias or other criminal gangs. The proliferation of these military weapons could pose a significant threat to the country’s security.
