Overview
- Security forces say they killed José Luis Pérez Villanueva, alias 'Cholo', in a Sierra Nevada operation that officials reported on Tuesday and described as a blow to the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN).
- The ACSN announced a 48-hour paro armado and carried out attacks including burned vehicles, roadblocks and shootings that forced many businesses and transit routes in Santa Marta to close.
- President Abelardo De la Espriella ordered the city militarized, traveled to Santa Marta to patrol publicly with security units and vowed a hard-line campaign against the groups responsible.
- The government deployed more than 1,100 members of the Fuerza Pública, used air overflights and reported multiple arrests for terrorism and weapons offenses as authorities said they worked to clear blockades and restore order.
- Despite official statements of restored control the U.S. Embassy warned U.S. citizens to avoid affected areas and residents continue to report empty streets, transport disruptions and fear that could harm tourism and daily life.