21 Jan 2022 | 06:51 AM UTC
Colombia: Authorities implement curfew in several areas of the Arauca Department as of Jan. 21 following a bombing
Officials implement overnight curfews in several areas of the Arauca Department, Colombia, as of Jan. 21, in response to a recent bombing.
Event
Officials have implemented curfews in several areas of the Arauca Department as of Jan. 21 in response to a bombing in Saravena Jan. 19. The curfews are in place in the department capital, Arauca, 22:00-05:00, and in the Fortul, Saravena, and Arauquita municipalities, 21:00-04:00. Authorities have also announced that border security, particularly intelligence structures, will be strengthened in the area in response to the attack. The curfews will reportedly be in effect until Feb. 20.
Authorities will likely deploy additional patrols and checkpoints and could enforce other movement restrictive measures, such as road closures and additional curfews, in the impacted areas. The curfew and security response will likely disrupt overland travel and business operations. The perpetrators of the Jan. 19 attack remain at large; further violence is possible.
Context
A car bomb detonated near the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario in Saravena late Jan. 19, killing at least one person and injuring five others. Buildings in the vicinity were also damaged. Officials have blamed Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) dissidents for the attack. In recent months, the Arauca Department has been affected by clashes between FARC and National Liberation Army (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, ELN). In early January, clashes in the north of the department left at least 24 people dead. While Arauca has long been a stronghold of the ELN, in recent years, dissident factions of the FARC have sought to seize control of territory along the border of Arauca and the Venezuelan state of Apure. Both the ELN and the FARC use the area to engage in criminal activities, such as extorting businesses and trafficking cocaine. A connection between the bombing and the ongoing competition is possible.
Advice
Heed the directives of local officials. Liaise with trusted contacts before conducting ground movement in the area, particularly near the shared border, in rural areas of the department, and at night. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport and business disruptions. Ensure contingency plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
