Cartagena authorities have announce stringent security plans for the Sixth Summit of the Americas, after U.S. President Barack Obama confirmed he would attend.
It will be Obama’s first visit to Colombia since President Juan Manuel Santos took office.
More than 10,000 troops from the Marine Infantry and National Police will be on guard during the two-day conference in April bringing together 34 heads of state from across the continent.
Political issues and challenges facing the region will be discussed, and shared commitments made to take action.
The navy will provide the primary security, stationed along the coast, Dique canal and on access roads around the city. The police will act as a second ring of defence.
Rear Admiral Cesar Navaez, commander of the Caribbean Naval Force, will coordinate military security efforts.