Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos sends 300 additional soldiers to the western Choco department to combat its strong FARC presence, the head of state said in a press release.
The members of the armed forces are already on the their way to Choco, and will attempt to maintain order in the region afflicted by violence. Part of Choco was recently besieged by the FARC who imposed through threats of violence an 8PM curfew on residents of Quibdo.
In addition to increasing the number of foot soldiers, Santos is to create a permanent army battalion in the municipality of Riosucio which will help patrol its roads. Three transportable military bridges will be available where required to help facilitate transportation to needy communities.
The head of state said, “The Navy Commander has been here for a few days with precise instructions to take where required the necessary material and goods to the people in need.”
The announcement of increased regional security follows a cabinet meeting in the city of Quibdo, the first ministers’ council in the Choco department.
The decision comes on the back of regional leaders expressing their frustration at the lack of state support in Choco. The governor of Choco went so far as to say that his people had “lost faith” the in the government.
The agenda for the cabinet meeting included a discussion of the projected impact of law enforcement in the region and a review of the remaining security steps required to enter a full Free trade Agreement with the United States.