Do you need to defeat Predator in order to complete the story?

I'm playing in Normal mode and defeating this Predator (Solo) is a drag. I loaded him with my LMG about 7 times and he's still standing proud. I have no idea wether I'm even making a dent.

I'm inclined to just move on and save that one for after beating the game, is that possible? I don't see how this predator is tying into the whole Drug Bolivian Cartel