Santa Marta officials establish emergency command center amid rural unrest

Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello has established a Unified Command Post (PMU) in response to public order disturbances in the rural areas of Guachaca and Quebrada del Sol. The emergency mechanism aims to monitor security along the corridor connecting Santa Marta to Riohacha, specifically addressing disruptions on the Troncal del Caribe, a vital commercial and transport route.

The PMU includes participation from the National Police, the Military Forces, and the District Personería. The strategy focuses on coordinating immediate humanitarian aid for local residents, protecting human rights, and countering illegal armed structures in the Sierra Nevada region.

In a separate effort to bolster urban security, Mayor Pinedo met with the new Metropolitan Police Commander, Colonel Jimmy Arley Belalcázar Oñate. The meeting focused on strengthening the coordination between the district administration and public forces to increase police presence in neighborhoods and combat crime to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.