Colombian president orders troops to violence-hit Caribbean city
Abelardo de la Espriella on Tuesday sent troops into Santa Marta after an armed group attacked shops and burnt vehicles across the city.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered military forces to be deployed in the violence-plagued Caribbean city of Santa Marta following an attack by the armed group Conquering Self Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN). The ACSN, which controls cocaine trafficking routes, had been responsible for setting fire to vehicles and blocking roads in the city.
President de la Espriella claimed that the city was being "militarised" in response to the ACSN's actions, warning that anyone who resisted would be dealt with harshly. Police presence in Santa Marta's commercial districts was increased as rumors of a movement restriction order circulated. The president's decision came after an earlier announcement that 13 ACSN members had been killed in a military operation.
De la Espriella, who entered office as a US-backed millionaire in August, pledged a strong stance against Colombia's drug-running groups.
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- Colombian president orders troops to violence-hit Caribbean city freemalaysiatoday.com
