Colombia: Police patrol attacked in Antioquia Feb. 28

Event

An armed attack targeting a police patrol was carried out around 05:00 (local time) on Wednesday, February 28, in the town of El Tres (Antioquia department). One police officer was killed and three others were wounded in the assault, which has been attributed to the Clan del Golfo crime group. The officers were on their way to the municipality of Necoclí when they came under fire.

Context

Paramilitary crime organizations (BACRIM) such as the Clan del Golfo have replaced leftist guerrillas as the most serious armed threat in Colombia today. These groups, involved in a rage of illicit activities including drug trafficking and illegal mining, have moved into territory left by the demobilized FARC guerilla group, leading to violent turf wars as well as assassinations of local landowners and community leaders.

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, including the north of Antioquia.