Prison pour l'ancien ministre Velasquez

In recent days, the northeastern part of Antioquia has once again become a focal point of violence due to ongoing clashes between armed groups vying for control over territory and illicit economic activities. According to reports, approximately 83 families have been displaced from their homes in the municipalities of Segovia and Remedios. This displacement affects around 100 individuals who were forced to flee their residences following intense fighting between the front 4 of the dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the so-called "Golfo Clan." The conflict took place primarily in the area known as Río Bagre, which lies within the jurisdiction of these two municipalities.

The situation escalated when five civilians lost their lives due to explosions caused by devices launched from drones used by both sides during the confrontation. These attacks highlight the increasing use of technology in modern warfare, where non-state actors leverage such tools to inflict damage on civilian populations. The secretary of Security and Coexistence of Antioquia, General Luis Eduardo Guzmán, acknowledged the impact of this conflict, stating that more than 100 people had been displaced from the urban center of Segovia. He emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of the affected communities through transitional justice mechanisms.

Following the arrival of over 100 displaced individuals into the urban areas of Segovia, local authorities convened an extraordinary security council aimed at formulating an action plan to provide comprehensive support to those affected. Additionally, they discussed strategies to enhance the presence of state forces in the region and to facilitate the withdrawal of belligerent groups from the subregion. It is crucial to note that the northeastern part of Antioquia has long been plagued by the presence of organized armed groups that not only compete for territorial control but also utilize the area as an operational base to generate revenue and ensure their growth.

As of July 4th, the number of displaced persons has risen significantly, reaching 349 individuals from 107 families. This increase is attributed to continued hostilities between the "Golfo Clan" and the front 4 of the FARC dissidents under the leadership of alias Calarcá. The conflict remains active in the area of El Río, situated between Segovia and Remedios. Local and departmental authorities have urgently requested the national government to deploy military forces to regain control of the territory. The governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, announced a reward of up to 100 million pesos for information leading to the capture of alias Samantha, also known as "la Enfermera," who serves as a spokesperson for the front 4 of the FARC dissidents under the command of Calarcá.

This individual, whose real name is Camila Andrea Palacio Berrío, is described as being 30 years old and originating from Amalfi. She is currently associated with alias Brayan Veneco, the fifth leader of this front. As an auxiliary nurse, her technical skills have made her a key figure within the criminal organization led by alias Jhon Fiera, who executes orders given by Calarcá. The governor reiterated that this group is responsible for numerous crimes including massacres, forced displacement, extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Recent videos released by the organization, featuring Samantha as its voice, mention threats against mayors of Segovia and Remedios, warning them about potential offensive actions.

The situation in Antioquia reflects broader issues related to the governance and security policies implemented by previous administrations. The former defense minister, Iván Velásquez, faces formal investigation by the Office of the Attorney General following revelations about his involvement in a controversial agreement known as the "frozen" pact. This agreement allegedly allowed the "Golfo Clan" to operate without interference from state institutions. Under Velásquez's tenure, decisions were made that weakened the effectiveness of joint military commands, thereby reducing the coordination among land, sea, and air forces. This strategic move reportedly left regions like Antioquia and Chocó vulnerable to expansion efforts by the "Golfo Clan."

Furthermore, the government imposed legal constraints that included freezing arrest warrants and halting extraditions of criminals sought by international courts. These measures, combined with significant budget cuts affecting the military, resulted in operational crises marked by abandoned combat helicopters and other equipment due to lack of maintenance. The consequences of these policies include increased rates of murders, kidnappings, and extortion, along with a surge in child recruitment by armed groups. These developments underscore the complex interplay between political decisions and the resulting security challenges faced by Colombian society today.