Armed group paralyses Colombian Caribbean city of Santa Marta
The Conquering Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada, an armed group with roots in Colombia's defunct paramilitary movement, launched attacks on businesses and vehicles in Santa Marta, claiming retaliation after security forces killed 13 of its members. Schools, businesses and taxis remained off the streets as residents feared further violence. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office last month and has pledged to combat drug-trafficking organisations, deployed over 1,100 troops and police officers to the Caribbean city.
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The Colombian city of Santa Marta remained largely paralysed on Wednesday after days of violence by the Conquering Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada, an armed group known as ACSN. Schools and businesses remained closed, and people avoided the roads. The group, which has roots in Colombia's defunct paramilitary movement, opened fire on businesses and set vehicles ablaze. Authorities described this as a retaliatory campaign following the deaths of 13 ACSN members, including its second-in-command, who were killed by security forces.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office last month and has vowed to crack down on Colombia's drug-trafficking groups, immediately ordered troops to Santa Marta, a tourist city near Tayrona National Park, and travelled there personally to oversee the security operation. Local officials confirmed that at least 500 soldiers and 600 police officers had been deployed to restore order.
Despite official calls for businesses to reopen, fear of further violence kept Santa Marta largely shuttered. A local taxi driver told the news agency AFP that people were afraid to leave their homes. The drivers' union suspended work in protest at the lack of security in the city.
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