Cartel hits back with severe ‘isolation’ in northern Colombia

Businesses and schools had to close, citizens were not allowed to leave their homes – not even to buy food – and barricades were erected. More than a hundred municipalities in northern Colombia will be faced with some form of lockdown from Thursday.

But not because of a new corona epidemic; It was an act of revenge by Colombia’s main drug cartel. The Clan del Golfo last week revealed its power over the extradition of its leader, Dario Antonio Úsuga, to the United States.

The “armed strike,” as the cartel calls it, sparked a massive outbreak of violence. The Defense Ministry said at least three civilians and three military personnel were killed in violation of cartel rules.

But there are also reports that the number of victims is much higher. The Special Peace Court, established after the 2016 agreement between the Colombian government and the far-left FARC, reported that 24 civilians were killed.

In addition, 180 vehicles were set on fire by those who took to the streets. The cartel made its demands known through WhatsApp messages, brochures and graffiti in public places. ‘Armed strike’ is more often used by guerrilla groups in Colombia, but not always with such dire consequences.

“The most important drug lord since Escobar”

According to Colombian President Duque, the arrest and extradition of Úsuga, also known as Otoniel, was a major victory over organized crime. The president said the fall of Otoniel can only be compared to the fall of drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1990s.

But if the “firearms attack” proves anything, it’s that Úsuga’s rendition was at most a Pyrrhic victory, analysts say. Even if he wasn’t responsible, the Clan del Golfo could terrorize much of Colombia for days. Outside the cities, armed groups control large areas.