Colombia’s president sends troops to a Caribbean city after an outburst of violence

Santa Marta, a Caribbean resort city in Colombia, experienced an outbreak of violence on Tuesday, prompting President Abelardo de la Espriella to dispatch troops to the city. The violence, blamed on a drug-trafficking gang known as the Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces, saw arsonists set ablaze at least three vehicles, including a taxi and a public bus. Armed men also threatened merchants, causing fear among residents.

President de la Espriella blamed the Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces and ordered troops to Santa Marta, the city's first deployment of his administration. He vowed to eliminate the gang and ordered military personnel and police officers to take action. The president also halted all peace talks with armed groups, previously ongoing under his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.

On Wednesday, troops patrolled the usually bustling streets of Santa Marta, which were unusually empty due to the violence. Residents in a working-class neighborhood lined up outside supermarkets, as police officers carried rifles and stood guard. Taxi driver Antonio Ochoa expressed fear, stating that residents woke up that morning afraid to leave their homes to stock up on supplies.

Despite the unrest, some tourists continued to enjoy Santa Marta's beach, relaxing and enjoying themselves while most nearby restaurants and shops remained closed. Mayor María Margarita Guerra of Magdalena, where Santa Marta is located, encouraged vendors to reopen and handed out flyers stating, "Extortion doesn't pay." She emphasized the need to unite, acknowledging the challenges in rebuilding trust after decades of violence.