The warm Caribbean breeze had only just begun to clear the air of gunpowder and blood when Gustavo's operation advanced with surgical precision. It wasn't just brute force that set his men apart—it was discipline, strategy, and the fierce loyalty of a group forged through hardship.
Division of Forces
Gustavo knew that taking control of Boca Grande meant facing not a single unified gang, but a mosaic of rival crews, each with their own territories, methods, and allies. His army, made up of 80 men, was divided to maximize impact:
Alpha Unit (20 men): Led by Gustavo himself, made up mostly of the soldiers gifted to him by his father, Pablo Escobar. These were veterans, formally trained and experienced in complex operations. Their mission was the core of the assault: to eliminate gang leaders and secure key positions such as the port and the main access routes into the neighborhood.
Bravo Unit (15 men): Under the command of Mateo "The Phoenix," composed of young recruits from the streets trained at the ranch. This unit operated with speed, using motorcycles for mobility. Their task: to cut off communications and escape routes for the gangs.
Charlie Unit (15 men): Commanded by José "The Tiger," similar to Bravo but specialized in surprise attacks and hand-to-hand combat. Their mission: to penetrate enemy hideouts and safehouses.
Delta Unit (30 men): A mobile reserve and tactical support group. These men patrolled the perimeter, intercepted reinforcements, and maintained surveillance at potential exit points to ensure no enemy escaped.
The Attack Begins: Bravo Unit in Action
Mateo revved his Kawasaki GPZ 750, the engine roaring as they approached the northeastern sector. Beside him, the other 14 young men rode in a tight column, armed with automatic pistols, shotguns, and AK-47 assault rifles. The tension was palpable, but their discipline held firm.
Their first target: the low houses where "The Serpents" had their hideouts. Mateo ordered a halt in a narrow alleyway, and there, they split into small groups. Within ten minutes, a violent exchange of gunfire rocked the area.
The Serpents, confident in their knowledge of the terrain, tried to retreat—but were intercepted by Delta Unit, who had already blocked their escape routes.
—"Kill the last one, boys!"—Mateo shouted, urging his men forward.
The fight was brutal. Gustavo had trained his soldiers in mixed martial arts techniques: jiu-jitsu for immobilizations, krav maga for fast, effective attacks, and boxing for precise strikes. Mateo and his men didn't hesitate to use these skills to neutralize enemies who had run out of ammunition.
Charlie Unit: The Fury of "The Tiger"
Meanwhile, José "The Tiger" led his group through the maze-like streets at the heart of Boca Grande. They knew the risk of entering enemy territory, but their training at the ranch gave them confidence.
The unit advanced silently toward a fortified house—the operations center of "The Hawks." Using homemade explosives, they blew open the front door, and the hand-to-hand combat that followed was immediate and savage. José displayed his mastery of karate and jiu-jitsu, taking down two opponents before his men secured the zone.
—"Don't let anyone make it out alive!"—he ordered firmly.
The operation was so swift that before the neighbors could grasp what was happening, the noose had already closed around "The Hawks."
Alpha Unit: Gustavo's Central Strike
Gustavo, accompanied by his most experienced men, advanced toward the port and key strategic access points. His training in mixed martial arts made him a formidable opponent, even in one-on-one combat.
When they encountered a group of armed guards protecting a drug warehouse, Gustavo launched a direct assault without hesitation. With calculated, lethal movements, he disarmed several enemies before his men finished the job.
His unit used military tactics to secure each position and coordinate with the other units.
Aftermath and Territorial Control
In less than twelve hours, Boca Grande was fully under control. The local gang leaders had been captured or eliminated, their weapons and merchandise confiscated, and the streets patrolled by Gustavo's men.
The civilians—fearful at first—began to understand that a new power was taking hold, one that didn't just bring violence, but also strict discipline and iron-fisted control.
Political and Criminal Repercussions
In the capital, the movements didn't go unnoticed. Control of Boca Grande meant control of the port—and, therefore, control over the drug trafficking routes and illegal trade.
Pablo Escobar's allies watched his son's rise with great interest, while his enemies began plotting against this new power on the rise.