President Petro to appoint military commander to face violence in Catatumbo

Published at: 02/02/2025 09:54 AM

The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, will appoint a commander who will exercise control over military forces and police in areas affected by violence between armed groups in the Catatumbo region, international media reported.

According to the Ministry of Defense, this measure will be taken under the protection of the declaration of Internal Concussion decreed by the National Government in the area, two municipalities of Cesar and the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, in the northeast of the country. In this regard, the designated officer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and conducting military and police operations.

He also detailed the ministerial portfolio, its functions include the issuance of orders to the commanders of the assigned units, the guarantee of respect for human rights and the application of International Humanitarian Law in all operations.

The military commander will also coordinate the intelligence and counterintelligence services of the Public Forces to counter the public order situation and will coordinate compliance with the measures adopted by the National Government.

As reported by the Ministry of Defense, under the protection of the emergency situation created in Catatumbo, the validity of permits to carry firearms may be temporarily suspended in areas where so decided.

Due to the fighting that began on January 16 between the armed groups National Liberation Army and the 33rd Front, more than 52,000 people were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in nearby cities, according to the latest official update released.

Mazo News Team