23 criminal gangs contest illegal economies in Cúcuta, including transnational groups
Twenty-three gangs, among them transnational organised crime groups, are engaged in violent confrontation over control of illegal economies in Cúcuta, according to eltiempo.com.
Cúcuta: 23 armed groups fighting to the death for criminal control on the border
Twenty-three criminal gangs, including transnational organised crime groups, are violently disputing control of illegal economies in Cúcuta, according to a report by eltiempo.com based on journalism and interviews conducted in the border city.
The figure reveals the magnitude of the urban conflict affecting the North Santander municipality, which has been militarised in the face of the escalation of violent incidents recorded in recent months. The presence of organisations with international ramifications has worsened the security situation in an area historically sensitive due to its proximity to Venezuela.
Among the most recent events illustrating the crisis is the murder of Miguel Castellanos, former Secretary of Government of Cúcuta, whose death is attributed to the actions of these groups. The case reflects the capacity of the gangs to attack figures with institutional standing.
Authorities have also detected war material hidden in rural areas of the municipality, which shows the level of armament with which the organisations operate. The National Army maintains active presence in the territory in response to continuous attacks, including acts classified as terrorist.
The dispute over illegal economies—which include drug trafficking, smuggling and extortion, among other activities—makes Cúcuta one of the most complex criminal scenarios in the country. The involvement of transnational groups adds a dimension that transcends local security and demands coordination with national and international bodies, according to the analysis published by eltiempo.com.
Source: Google News CO — Crime