Colombia: Armed clashes kill at least four soldiers in Cauca Department early Dec. 6

Event

Heightened security is likely in Cauca Department following an armed attack early Dec. 6 which left four soldiers dead and six more injured; at least seven soldiers also remain missing. According to reports, the soldiers were attacked with rifle shots and grenades in Munchique village, located in the municipality of Buenos Aires. Initial reports indicate that the attack was perpetrated by the Jaime Martinez Front (Jaime Martinez Ramirez), a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) that refused to demobilize as part of the FARC's peace agreement with the government.

Heavily armed police and military personnel are likely to deploy to the area, and additional clashes between the armed groups and security forces are possible. Security personnel may erect roadblocks, resulting in localized ground transport disruptions.

Advice

Avoid the area. Heed the instructions of security personnel.