21 Aug 2019 | 09:22 PM UTC
Colombia: Defense Ministry announces increased military presence in Cauca August 21
Colombian Defense Ministry to deploy over 1000 soldiers to the Cauca department August 21; heightened security presence expected
Event
Colombia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday, August 21, that it would increase the country's military presence in Cauca department. The ministry cited an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region associated with illegal armed groups. The deployment of 1000 additional troops comes amid frequent clashes between security forces and armed groups, including former FARC fighters.
Context
A peace deal between FARC leadership and the Colombian government was ratified by the Colombian Congress in November 2016, officially ending an armed conflict that killed more than 260,000 people over five decades. However, some dissident ex-FARC militants remain active, notably in the Colombian-Ecuadorian border region.
Advice
Individuals in Cauca department are advised to expect a heightened security presence in the coming weeks and months and to obey instructions issued by local authorities.
