Colombia’s armed forces put into action its security plan for the Summit of the Americas, to be held in the city of Cartagena April 14-15.
The national army and navy are to combine forces to protect the 34 leaders attending the 6th Summit in a safety strategy that began Friday.
Authorities have increased offensives against criminal and drug trafficking organizations operating in departments along the Caribbean and Atlantic regions over the past month, Chief of Staff of the Caribbean Naval Force, Captain Andres Vasquez, told reporters.
Authorities have also carried out strict records of vehicles entering Cartagena and operating in nearby areas, and controls of persons and goods entering the coastal city from the Caribbean.
There will also be a strong police presence at the Summit and each of the leaders will be accompanied by personnel from the armed forces. The surrounding coastline and bays will be patrolled day and night from Monday, with Cartagena’s airspace also monitored.
The Summit of the Americas will also be attended by U.S. President Barack Obama. The White House sent approximately 1,000 men to Cartagena, who will be working together with the 8,000 to 10,000 Colombian troops in charge of security.