Colombia

Lore & Background

Mendoza is depicted as a vibrant hub where legitimate wealth intersects with illicit operations. In the narrative, it becomes the hunting ground for Agent 47 to eliminate key Providence targets such as Arthur Edwards, who believes himself untouchable within his fortified estate and local influence. The setting emphasizes the contrast between the relaxed Argentine atmosphere and the cold precision of the ICA's mission parameters. Every corner of the city holds secrets, from the bustling markets to the secluded wineries where power players gather in plain sight.

In Their Own Story

The humidity clings to Agent 47’s suit as he surveys the coastline from a hidden vantage point. Below, the city glitters with false promises of leisure, but his focus remains on the fortified villa atop the hill. Every shadow holds a guard, every window reflects a potential threat. He knows Draganov is waiting for him, expecting nothing less than death for an intruder in his sanctuary. The mission begins not with a shot, but with silence.

Reader's Guide

Santa Marta offers players two distinct zones: the bustling city streets and the secluded high-security estate of Constantine Draganov. This location emphasizes verticality and disguise usage more than previous levels. Players can infiltrate via boat, foot, or through social engineering within the casino district. The mission structure encourages observation before action, as security protocols are tight around the target's residence. Successful elimination requires mastering the flow of daily routines among staff and guests. Disguises such as the Butler or Security Guard provide critical access to restricted areas without raising alarms. Environmental hazards like fireworks displays or boat escapes offer unique opportunities for silent takedowns or dramatic conclusions. Ultimately, Santa Marta tests an assassin's ability to operate in a crowded, open environment where mistakes are easily spotted by civilians and guards alike.

Did You Know?

• The primary target in Mendoza is Arthur Edwards, with Tamara Vidal as a secondary target. Al-Nazir, Zhi Wen, and The Chairman are not targets in this mission.
• The level features unique escape routes available upon mission completion, reflecting the diverse terrain of Mendoza.
• Mendoza is based on the real-world Argentine city known for its wine production and mountainous backdrop.
• This location marks a significant turning point in the ICA vs Providence conflict narrative.

Military Origins and the Birth of 'Popeye'

Jhon Jairo Velásquez Vásquez began his life in Yarumal, Antioquia, before embarking on a tumultuous journey through Colombia's military institutions. He initially enlisted in the National Army but soon transferred to the cadet school of the national police, where he remained for only a brief period. His most significant formative years occurred at the School of Apprentices of the Colombian Navy and later the School of NCOs, where his physical appearance earned him the enduring nickname 'Popeye' due to a resemblance to the famous cartoon character. Despite this early military training, Velásquez eventually abandoned these paths to join the Medellín Cartel's criminal hierarchy. He claimed to have served as a lieutenant commanding roughly half of the cartel's hitmen, leveraging his background to organize and execute violent operations. Before fully embracing his criminal persona, he underwent plastic surgery to alter his distinctive features, effectively erasing the visual traits that had once defined him in uniform. This transition from a disciplined military trainee to one of Colombia's most feared assassins marked a dark turning point in his life, setting the stage for decades of violence and eventual legal reckoning.

Confessions of Violence and Political Targeting

Velásquez is widely recognized as one of the premier hitmen within the Medellín Cartel structure, responsible for an extensive catalog of atrocities. His criminal portfolio included high-profile political abductions and assassinations that shook the nation's foundation. He was directly involved in the kidnapping of Andrés Pastrana Arango and Francisco Santos, both of whom would later ascend to the presidency and vice presidency, respectively. Furthermore, Velásquez participated in the murder of politician Carlos Mauro Hoyos and played a complicit role in the killing of Antioquia governor Antonio Roldán Betancur. His most infamous act was the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento. These actions cemented his reputation as a central figure in the cartel's campaign of terror against Colombia's political and social fabric.

Imprisonment, Release, and Controversial Public Persona

Even before this second incarceration, Velásquez had become a polarizing media figure. He also faced street robberies which he claimed were targeted attacks but chose not to report.

Cultural Legacy and Media Portrayals

Velásquez's life story has permeated global popular culture through numerous documentaries, films, and television dramas. These portrayals often highlight his role as a feared lieutenant and his complex relationship with Pablo Escobar, including the tragic story of his former lover Wendy Chavarriaga Gil, whom he chose to betray under the 'plata o plomo' ultimatum. Through these mediums, Velásquez's legacy has evolved from that of a silent assassin to a central figure in the narrative of Colombia's drug war era.