Mayor of Sincelejo denounces threats against him and his family; attributes intimidation to the Clan of the Gulf and other gangs

The mayor of Sincelejo, Yahir Acuña, has reported receiving information from authorities about potential threats against his life, as well as that of his family and staff, which he attributes to the Gulf Clan and other criminal groups operating in the region. The allegations came after Acuña claimed these threats were a direct consequence of the security offensive his administration has been conducting against such organizations. According to a message posted on his X account, Acuña stated that the intimidation was linked to the aggressive security strategy implemented by his government. He emphasized that despite the threats, his administration would continue its efforts to combat crime through a comprehensive model of security. This includes the so-called “Block Search Against Multicrime,” a collaborative effort involving the municipality, police, military, and intelligence agencies aimed at targeting groups engaged in homicide, extortion, drug trafficking, and other high-impact crimes. In the statement, Acuña called upon President Gustavo Petro, the Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Human Rights Defender’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, the National University of Colombia, the Police, the Army, and the Navy to take urgent measures to protect him, his family, and his team working toward greater safety in Sincelejo. His appeal highlights the perceived risk posed by the criminal networks he has targeted with his security initiatives. Sincelejo's security operations have reportedly led to notable reductions in several types of crime. According to data released by the local government, there was a 60 percent decrease in thefts from individuals, an 86 percent drop in bank robberies, a 19 percent reduction in home burglaries, a 15 percent decline in commercial thefts, a 67 percent decrease in vehicle thefts, and a 21 percent reduction in motorcycle thefts during the first half of 2026. The official report also noted a 19 percent decline in cases of personal injury. Acuña has previously attributed these improvements to the strengthening of operations against criminal structures and the coordination between civilian authorities and law enforcement. He maintained that this offensive was one of the reasons he had received information about possible actions against him. His continued push for stricter security measures has made him a target in the ongoing battle against organized crime in the area. The Gulf Clan, along with other regional gangs such as Los Norteños, has long been associated with violent activities in the region. These groups are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and armed conflict, often clashing with local authorities and community leaders who attempt to disrupt their operations. Acuña’s confrontational approach has likely intensified tensions with these groups, making him a focal point for retaliation. Local authorities have confirmed that they are aware of the threats against Acuña and are taking steps to ensure his safety. However, the situation underscores the risks faced by officials who implement stringent anti-crime policies in regions plagued by organized violence. As the security campaign continues, the mayor has vowed to remain steadfast in his commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety in Sincelejo.