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 troops into the Caribbean city of Santa Marta following an armed attack on businesses and vehicles in the region. The violence erupted after the president announced the death of 13 members of the self-styled Conquering Self Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), a group that controls cocaine trafficking routes.
De la Espriella declared that Santa Marta would be militarized, warning that those who resisted would be dealt with. Several parts of the city were deserted early on as rumors circulated about an ACSN order to restrict movement. Police increased their presence in commercial areas, while army troops were stationed along the highway connecting Santa Marta to La Guajira, another ACSN stronghold.
The US-backed president pledged a tough stance against drug-running groups upon taking office in August.
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- Colombia president orders troops to violence-hit Caribbean city nst.com.my
- Colombian president orders troops to violence-hit Caribbean city freemalaysiatoday.com
