A Colombian soldier was killed, and twelve others were injured in an explosive attack on a military unit in western Colombia.
This onslaught took place in the early hours of Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in Turbo, a municipality located approximately 300 miles northwest of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital.
The notorious Gulf Clan drug cartel, recognized as the largest active drug cartel in Colombia, is being blamed for the attack. The Colombian army has been actively engaged in operations against this group.
The governor of Antioquia has offered a reward of nearly $12,800 for information leading to the arrest of the leader of the responsible faction, identified as Wilder de Jesús Alcaraz, also known by his alias “El Indio.”
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia is spearheading a “total peace” initiative, aiming to secure peace agreements with all armed groups in the country, which includes both leftist guerrillas and trafficking organizations like the Gulf Clan. However, efforts to negotiate with the Gulf Clan have been met with challenges.
Last year, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the government and the Gulf Clan, but it was subsequently suspended. This decision was made after the authorities accused the cartel of orchestrating attacks during a mining protest, leading to the resumption of military operations against them.
The nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of a separate incident in December, in which an attack resulted in the death of six soldiers and injuries to another six. Dissidents formerly associated with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, previously the country’s most prominent guerrilla group, were held responsible for this act of violence.
The Gulf Clan’s involvement in such violent acts continues to pose significant challenges to the government’s peace efforts and highlights the complex dynamics of Colombia’s internal security situation.