By Zoila Palma: Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has deployed troops to the Caribbean resort city of Santa Marta following an outbreak of violence blamed on a drug-trafficking gang.
Soldiers and police patrolled the city’s unusually quiet streets today as residents stocked up on essential supplies and businesses remained closed, AP reports.
The violence erupted Tuesday when armed men reportedly threatened merchants and at least three vehicles, including a taxi and public bus, were set on fire.
De la Espriella blamed the attacks on the Sierra Nevada Self-Defense Forces and said the group was retaliating for a military operation that killed José Pérez Villanueva, known as “Cholo,” whom authorities identified as the group’s second-in-command.
The troop deployment is the first such operation under De la Espriella, who took office last month after promising tougher action against illegal armed groups.
Police say the Sierra Nevada group operates in Magdalena, La Guajira and Cesar and has been linked to drug trafficking and extortion.
The president has also suspended peace talks with armed groups that were initiated by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.
The post International News: Colombia deploys troops to resort city Santa Marta after surge in gang violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has deployed troops to the Caribbean resort city of Santa Marta following an outbreak of violence blamed on a drug-trafficking gang. Soldiers and police patrolled the city’s unusually quiet streets today as residents stocked up on essential supplies and businesses remained closed, AP reports. The violence
The post International News: Colombia deploys troops to resort city Santa Marta after surge in gang violence appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.