A large cache of arms and ammunition, grenades and missiles have been reported missing from two military bases in the South American nation Colombia.
During two surprise inspections carried out at Tolemaida Military Base and La Guajira in February and early April, the disappearance of grenades and missiles was discovered.
Who stole the missiles from the military bases?
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, according to reports in the public domain, confirmed the theft, saying “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.”
During the inspections carried out in April it was discovered that thousands of bullets, shells and 37 anti-cannon missiles had been stolen from military bases.
“One of these military bases is located in the central part of the country while the other is located near the Caribbean coast.”
He also expressed fear 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.” And suspected that “these weapons and missiles may also be smuggled into Haiti or sold on the international black market.”
Why the surprise inspection?
The surprise inspection of Colombia’s military base has taken place at a time when Colombia has resumed the fight against the rebel organization ‘FARC-EMC’ in the south-west of the country. In 2016, after the peace agreement was signed between the ‘Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’ and the government, ‘FARC-EMC’ was separated from this rebel organization and formed.
Reportedly, two Spike missiles, 37 Nimrod missiles and 550 rocket-propelled grenades are missing from the La Guajira base. Apart from this, about 4.2 million bullets and more than 9,300 grenades were also found missing.
And in the 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. Apart from this, some military officers have been removed from their posts. Also, the defence minister has planned to inspect military bases across the country.
Gangs & Drug Mafia
On several occasions the Colombian Army has openly clashed with armed drug mafias. The most dreaded and dangerous drug mafia leader Pablo Escobar, was among the richest people in the world. In 1989, Pablo was declared the seventh richest person in the world by Forbes magazine. Even after his death in 1993, the drug trade has continued to flourish in Colombia.
However, the Colombian government is now worried whether the missiles missing from military bases may have reached drug mafias or other criminal gangs. If ever a spark flares up, these military weapons can prove harmful for the country.