Police on Saturday arrested eleven suspected hitmen working for the criminal organization of paramilitary boss “Valenciano,” who is thought to be responsible for a surge in violence in Medellin and northern Colombia.
Six of the suspects, allegedly under the direct command of Valenciano, were arrested in a luxurious holiday home outside Medellin.
According to the authorities, the suspects were ordered by the alleged “Office of Envigado” boss to take control of the north-east zone of Medellin and surrounding towns.
Another five alleged members of the gang were arrested in Medellin’s comuna 13, in the west of the city, when they ran into an army unit that was patrolling the neighborhood.
Valenciano is one of the paramilitary bosses thought to be responsible for the surge in violence that has taken hold of Medellin’s poor neighborhoods since 2008.
The United States offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of the capo.