# Security instability in Santa Marta, Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/security-instability-in-santa-marta-colombia
> Updated: 2026-09-22T00:58:36.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 2.

Security concerns in Santa Marta, Colombia, have escalated from prison instability to widespread paramilitary violence. In September 2026, authorities completed the evacuation of the Centro de Detención Transitorio Norte, known as ‘La Norte’, due to severe overcrowding and a history of riots, escapes, and inmate deaths.

Following a 13-hour security operation in the Quebrada del Sol sector, President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the militarization of the region. The operation resulted in the deaths of seven alleged members of the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN), including José Luis Pérez Villanueva, known as alias ‘Cholo’, a key leader and financier of the group. Authorities also reported three arrests and the seizure of an arsenal containing 10 rifles, including a Barrett .50 caliber, grenade launchers, and other war material.

In retaliation, the ACSN initiated a 48-hour armed strike characterized by the intimidation of businesses, the burning of vehicles, and the blocking of the Troncal del Caribe highway, causing significant disruption to schools and transportation in the Magdalena and La Guajira regions. Reports indicate that armed individuals on motorcycles have intimidated merchants and fired upon establishments.

To combat the group’s influence and protect citizens, the Colombian government has reinforced the presence of military and police forces, including special forces and anti-extortion units. While some local authorities stated that mobility on major roads has been restored, tension remains high as security forces continue to patrol the area to prevent further intimidation and restore order.

## Claims

- The ACSN announced a 48-hour armed strike affecting Santa Marta and the Troncal del Caribe. (disputed by 19 sources)
- President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the militarization of Santa Marta. (disputed by 15 sources)
- A military operation against the ACSN resulted in seven deaths and three arrests. (disputed by 10 sources)
- President Gustavo Petro ordered the immediate deployment of military and police forces to Santa Marta. (disputed by 6 sources)
- A 13-hour security operation resulted in the deaths of 13 members of the ACSN, including one leader. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The Governor of Magdalena stated there is no active armed strike in the department. (disputed)
- Armed groups on motorcycles have fired upon open businesses and set vehicles on fire in Santa Marta. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The deceased José Luis Pérez Villanueva, known as alias ‘Cholo’, was the second-in-command of the ACSN. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Security forces seized 10 rifles, including a Barrett .50 caliber, and other war material. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Schools in several sectors of Santa Marta suspended classes due to security concerns. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The ACSN controls drug trafficking routes and engages in extortion. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN) is a far-right paramilitary group. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Santa Marta militarized following ACSN paramilitary violence

President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered the militarization of Santa Marta following a wave of violence and an armed strike announced by the ACSN paramilitary group after a military operation killed seven

45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/magdalena-sends-23-tons-of-aid-to-choc-after-earthquake

### 2026-09-11: Santa Marta detention center evacuated following riots and overcrowding

Authorities have evacuated all inmates from the ‘La Norte’ detention center in Santa Marta, Colombia, following months of overcrowding, riots, and security concerns in the city's historic center.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-marta-detention-center-evacuated-following-riots-and-overcrowding

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Cite as: Security instability in Santa Marta, Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/security-instability-in-santa-marta-colombia