Simaña massacre: five dead in armed attack in Cesar

An armed attack at a public establishment in the corregimiento of Simaña, located in the La Gloria municipality of Cesar, has resulted in at least five deaths. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, September 13, at the ‘Estadero Cabeza de Hacha’ billiard hall.

Authorities and the Governor of Cesar, Elvia Milena Sanjuán, are investigating the massacre, which is suspected to be the result of a territorial dispute between illegal armed groups. Witnesses reported that gunmen dressed in civilian clothes entered the venue and opened fire. Some reports suggest the attackers identified themselves as members of the ELN and accused victims of having ties to paramilitary structures.

The identified deceased include Diomar Gómez Cáceres, Edelmis Toro Guevara, Carlos Rodelo, and brothers Miguel and Milton Armenta Jaraba. Authorities are also investigating whether the victims had links to the ‘Clan del Golfo’. An extraordinary security council has been convened to address the deteriorating public order in the southern region of the department.