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Santa Marta militarized following ACSN violence and armed strike FAST-MOVING
President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered the militarization of Santa Marta following a surge of violence attributed to the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN). The escalation follows a military operation in the Quebrada del Sol sector that resulted in the deaths of seven alleged ACSN members, including José Luis Pérez Villanueva, known as alias ‘Cholo’, the group’s second-in-command and financier.
In response to the operation, the ACSN reportedly announced a 48-hour armed strike. This has led to significant civil disruption in Santa Marta and the surrounding Magdalena and La Guajira regions. Reports indicate that armed men on motorcycles have intimidated local businesses, forcing many shops and schools to close. Violence has also targeted infrastructure, with reports of buses, taxis, and commercial trucks being set on fire, and blockades affecting the Troncal del Caribe highway.
Authorities have seized an arsenal during recent operations, including ten rifles—one being a Barrett .50 caliber—alongside grenades and other war material. While some regional officials have stated that mobility on major roads has been restored, local residents and human rights defenders report continued intimidation and a climate of fear throughout the city.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada · Chocó · Colombian Anti-Narcotics Police · Colombian National Army · José Luis Pérez Villanueva · La Guajira · Magdalena · Margarita Guerra · Santa Marta · Troncal del Caribe
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Governor of Magdalena stated there is no active armed strike in the department. www.cablenoticias.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Armed men set fire to two public transport buses in the region. www.prensa-latina.cu
- [● 16 SOURCES] The ACSN announced a 48-hour armed strike affecting Santa Marta and the Troncal del Caribe. notifalcon.com · alertas24.com · codigoprensa.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · +7 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Schools in several sectors of Santa Marta suspended classes due to security concerns. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.prensa-latina.cu · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com · costanoticias.com · +1 more
- [DISPUTED] President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the militarization of Santa Marta. actualidad.rt.com · agerpres.ro · www.valoraanalitik.com · notifalcon.com · alertas24.com · +7 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Security forces seized 10 rifles, including a Barrett .50 caliber, and other war material. notifalcon.com · www.prensa-latina.cu · alertas24.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · extra.com.co · +1 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] The deceased José Luis Pérez Villanueva, known as alias ‘Cholo’, was the second-in-command of the ACSN. notifalcon.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · alertas24.com · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com · +1 more
- [DISPUTED] A military operation against the ACSN resulted in seven deaths and three arrests. notifalcon.com · codigoprensa.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.prensa-latina.cu · alertas24.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ACSN controls drug trafficking routes and engages in extortion. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [DISPUTED] A 13-hour security operation resulted in the deaths of 13 members of the ACSN, including one leader. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.zougla.gr
- [● 13 SOURCES] Armed groups on motorcycles have fired upon open businesses and set vehicles on fire in Santa Marta. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.zougla.gr · costanoticias.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · +6 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN) is a far-right paramilitary group. www.businessdaily.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.zougla.gr · www.todoalicante.es