{
  "id": 9329070,
  "title": "Government Militarizes Santa Marta After Riots Over Los Pachencas Raids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/government-militarizes-santa-marta-after-riots-over-los-pachencas",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T11:40:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/09/23/government-militarizes-santa-marta-after-riots-over-los-pachencas-raids/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Violence erupted in Santa Marta following the death of Los Pachencas leader, alias Cholo, on September 21. The criminal group, also known as the Conquistador Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), responded by announcing a 48-hour armed strike and issuing threats. The situation prompted President Abelardo de la Espriella to order the militarization of Santa Marta and the strengthening of security forces. Aircraft and helicopters were deployed over the city to regain control and ensure residents' safety. Public establishments and businesses closed in fear of intimidation, with authorities carrying out operations to contain the violence. The escalation of violence followed a security forces operation on Monday, during which Jose Luis Perez Villanueva, alias Cholo, was killed. The illegal armed group reacted with intimidation, attacks on vehicles, and demands for businesses to close. The crisis has disrupted commerce, public transportation, and mobility in Santa Marta. President de la Espriella vowed not to back down against the criminal organizations, with authorities taking action against those responsible for the violent incidents and threats.",
  "summary": "Santa Marta is facing a new security crisis after members of the criminal group Los Pachencas, also known as the Conquistador Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), staged riots and issued threats following the death of alias Cholo on the night of Monday, September 21. The situation prompted the government of President Abelardo de […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}