Colombian President Orders Militarization of Santa Marta After Gang Commander's Killing

Colombian President Jose de la Espriella has ordered the militarization of the resort city of Santa Marta following the killing of a senior commander of a criminal gang, as authorities moved to respond to a retaliatory 'armed strike' that left streets deserted across the city.

Armed strikes, a tactic used by criminal groups in parts of Colombia and other Latin American countries, typically involve threats of violence against anyone who leaves their home or opens a business, effectively shutting down normal activity in affected areas.

The deployment of additional military and security forces to Santa Marta reflects concern among Colombian authorities that the gang's retaliation could escalate further, threatening both public safety and the city's tourism-dependent economy.

Colombian security forces have faced a longstanding challenge from organized criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion, particularly in port cities and coastal regions such as Santa Marta.

Officials have not provided a timeline for when the militarization measures might be scaled back, saying the response will be assessed based on the security situation on the ground.