Overview
- Security forces killed senior members of the Conquering/Sierra Nevada Self‑Defense Forces earlier this week, a move officials link to the armed group's retaliatory attack on Santa Marta.
- The ACSN ordered businesses and transport to shut, fired on shops and set several vehicles ablaze, leaving large parts of the city unusually empty and market stalls closed.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella sent roughly 1,100 to more than 1,500 military and police personnel to the city, toured the streets in protective gear, and vowed to "finish them off."
- Civilians face restricted movement and economic harm as many services remain closed, authorities made multiple arrests, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert, and the U.N. human‑rights office condemned the group's tactics.
- The ACSN is a post‑paramilitary group active in Magdalena, La Guajira and Cesar that profits from cocaine trafficking and extortion, and the government's response marks a clear policy shift from prior peace talks toward sustained military pressure.