Colombia: Truck drivers block several routes in Santander and North Santander departments, protests planned in Bogota Sept. 2

Cargo truck drivers are blocking multiple routes across the North Santander and Santander departments as of early Sept. 2 to protest diesel prices; some demonstrations have also been reported in Bogota. In North Santander, protesters blocked roads in the La Laguna area, as well as the highways connecting Cachira and La Esperanza, Sardinata and Ocana, and Irimaco and El Zulia. In Santander, disruptions were reported along key thoroughfares leading to Bucaramanga and Barrancabermeja. Additionally, groups have called for blockades in and around Bogota. Some gatherings have already been reported on the route connecting the capital and La Calera.

Protests may continue for several days. Roadblocks will likely cause significant traffic disruptions in affected areas. Police are likely to deploy to any demonstrations, and clashes cannot be ruled out, especially if authorities attempt to forcibly disperse protesters and reopen roads.