Colombia: Gunmen kill multiple human rights activists in Norte de Santander department on November 3

Event

Gunmen killed at least seven people, including two prominent local human rights activists on Sunday, November 3, in the Ocana municipality of Norte de Santander department. According to a local peace advocacy group, the killings of the two activists mark the most high-profile disruptions to human rights' efforts in the region in years. One of those killed, Jorge Luis Solano, had previously been assigned protective detail following multiple assassination attempts. A special prosecutor from the Colombian federal government has been assigned to Ocana to begin an investigation into the killings.   

Localized disruptions from investigative and security operations in the Ocana area are likely in the near term.

Advice

Those in the Norte de Santander department are advised to monitor developments, avoid the vicinity of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.