Colombia: Soldier killed by landmine in Nariño April 22

Event

A soldier was killed by a landmine in the Casas Viejas area of Tumaco municipality (Nariño department) during an operation to destroy illicit crops. A second soldier was wounded in the explosion. The Colombian government has attributed the attack to ex-FARC dissidents, now called the Frente Oliver Sinisterra, who are present in the area.

Context

Various armed groups are active in Nariño department, a major cocaine growing and transit point, including dissident members of the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) and a dozen other organized crime groups (BACRIM), in addition to the ELN guerrilla group (Ejército de Liberación Nacional). According to the UN, there are more than 23,000 hectares (57,000 acres) of coca fields in Tumaco alone, believed to be responsible for 16 percent of all of Colombia’s coca cultivation.

Numerous attacks targeting electricity and oil infrastructure have also taken place recent months in the area, along with high-profile kidnappings.

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, the ELN, and ex-FARC dissidents - some Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country, including parts of Córdoba.