Colombia: Deadly attack in Antioquia March 17

Event

An armed attack was carried out in a public parking lot in the Santa Rosita area of Caucasia municipality (Antioquia department) on the evening of Saturday, March 17. Two people were killed and five others wounded, including three minors. A military spokesperson has said the attack may have been related to a turf dispute between rival factions of the AGC (Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia) crime group, also known as the Clan del Golfo. An investigation is ongoing.

Context

Paramilitary crime organizations (BACRIM) such as the AGC have replaced leftist guerrillas as the most serious armed threat in Colombia today. These groups, involved in a rage of illicit activities including drug trafficking and illegal mining, have moved into territory left by the demobilized FARC guerilla group, leading to violent turf wars as well as assassinations of local landowners and community leaders.

Advice

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