Colombia: Armed gunmen kill five, kidnap dozens from indigenous community in Narino department on September 26

Event

Armed gunmen entered the Inda Sabaleta indigenous reservation of the Awa people, in the municipality of Tumaco (Narino department) on Saturday, September 26, and killed five members of the community and kidnapped 40 others. Local sources report that since Saturday there have been clashes between the Los Contadores armed group and the Oliver Sinisterra front within the Inda Sabaleta reservation with attempts to completely take over the territory. The local office of the International Committee of the Red Cross is currently in negotiations with the captors for the release of the hostages.

Colombia's National Indigenous Organization (ONIC) has warned that further attacks are likely in the near to medium term.

Advice

Individuals in the Narino department are advised to monitor developments, avoid the vicinity, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.