Colombia: De la Espriella militarizes a tourist city in response to a wave of drug-related violence
The Colombian president ordered security in the Caribbean city to be reinforced with troops, special units and Kfir aircraft following attacks on businesses and vehicles.
Colombian Army soldiers on a highway following a military operation against drug trafficking
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the militarization of Santa Marta in response to a wave of attacks and intimidation attributed to the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN), an organization financed primarily by drug trafficking and extortion.
The escalation followed a law enforcement operation against the organization and the death of one of its leaders. In retaliation, the criminal group reportedly launched an "armed strike" that partially paralyzed commerce and transportation in the city, according to AFP.
During a tour on Tuesday, journalists from the agency observed burned-out vehicles, closed businesses and a sharp decline in activity in several areas of Santa Marta. Images also circulated on social media of armed men roaming parts of the city and firing at businesses.
"I do not accept armed strikes," stated De la Espriella, who assured that the government will deploy law enforcement to prevent criminal organizations from restricting the population's mobility and activities. The president's office officially confirmed the offensive against the ACSN and the decision to reinforce the state's presence in the region.
Kfir aircraft and troops on the streets
The deployment includes Army troops, anti-extortion units and special police forces. In addition, Air Force Kfir jets flew over strategic points and the urban area of Santa Marta, while helicopters and ground forces expanded operations in Magdalena and nearby areas of La Guajira.
De la Espriella traveled to Santa Marta on Tuesday night and toured some streets upon his arrival, according to AFP.
The ACSN, also known as Los Pachenca, has a presence in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and parts of La Guajira. The group emerged from structures linked to paramilitarism and maintains illicit economic activities related to drug trafficking and extortion.
The offensive comes at a time when De la Espriella's administration has toughened its strategy against armed and drug-trafficking organizations. Since taking office in August, the governor has promised to intensify operations against their structures, leaders and sources of funding.
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