Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Colombia deploys troops to Caribbean city after armed group violence
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered military forces into Santa Marta following coordinated attacks by an armed group that targeted commercial establishments and destroyed vehicles across the coastal city.
LSN Malaysia ·
The deployment came after the armed group launched a series of attacks on Tuesday, setting fire to multiple vehicles and ransacking shops in various neighbourhoods of Santa Marta, the capital of Magdalena Department on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
President de la Espriella's decision to mobilise troops represents an escalation in efforts to contain the violence that has disrupted daily life in the strategic port city. The attacks marked a significant security challenge for authorities in the region, which has long struggled with gang-related criminal activity.
Santa Marta, located near Colombia's northern coast, serves as an important commercial hub and tourism gateway. The armed group's coordinated assault suggests an attempt to exert control or send a message to local authorities and the business community.
Official statements regarding the scale of damages, casualties or the identity of the armed group responsible were not immediately available. The military presence is expected to enhance security operations and help restore order in affected areas of the city.