A specially trained mine-sniffing dog helped Colombian security forces uncover an active minefield hidden along the Pan-American Highway in Nariño department on August 4.
Working alongside the Colombian Aerospace Force, National Army and National Police, the dog searched through vegetation beside the highway and detected explosives concealed in the area. Authorities then carried out controlled detonations to neutralize the threat.
Officials said the operation uncovered four improvised explosive devices and two antipersonnel mines. Local reports warned that the explosives could have blocked the important highway and potentially cut Nariño off from the rest of Colombia.
Aerial footage released by the Colombian Aerospace Force showed the dog carefully searching the roadside before the explosives were destroyed.
Authorities believe the minefield was planted by the Franco Benavides Structure, a dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla movement. The successful operation prevented a potentially dangerous incident along one of Colombia’s key transport routes.
