Colombia militarizes Santa Marta after armed group attacks

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the militarization of Santa Marta on Tuesday night during a security council meeting in the Caribbean city. The decree follows a wave of attacks by the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra, which imposed a 48-hour armed strike across Magdalena department on Monday.

Armed men on motorcycles forced businesses to close at gunpoint, fired shots into store shelves, and burned vehicles along the Troncal Caribe highway linking La Guajira. Authorities say the offensive is retaliation for military operations that killed alias "Cholo," the group's second-in-command, and nine other members days earlier.

“The state, with all its legitimate force, will not take a single step back against their cowardly threats.”

Defense Minister Jorge Mora stated security forces also seized large quantities of weapons and recently neutralized alias "Bendito Menor." The president vowed the state would not retreat, declaring criminals would feel "terror" from government firepower.

Governor Margarita Guerra backed the offensive, saying coordinated action can dismantle criminal structures spreading fear. Residents remained indoors as military patrols expanded through urban areas and key highways Tuesday night.