Buriticá Imposes Curfew and Dry Law After Violent Protests by Informal Miners

The municipality of Buriticá in Antioquia, Colombia, is facing a severe security crisis following violent protests by informal miners. The unrest began on June 1 when miners blocked the Medellín-Urabá highway, setting a bus on fire and creating a volatile situation that threatened public safety.

Early on June 1, a truck loaded with gas cylinders was also set ablaze by the miners, prompting a swift response from police forces. Officers established a security perimeter, extinguished the flames, and ensured the truck was free of explosives before clearing the highway. A video shared by Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón captured the dramatic moments as uniformed officers approached the burning vehicle while facing off against individuals who hurled stones at them.

Governor Rendón expressed his outrage at the miners' actions, emphasizing the dangers posed by their use of explosives. "This video represents good and evil. It's incredible how some people are capable of using explosives to 'blow us all up' just to defend illegal profits," he stated. He also praised the bravery of the police officers, saying, "What courage our police showed! They risked their lives to save thousands. This happened just a few minutes ago, near Buriticá, on the road that leads to Urabá, which was blocked."

Why this matters: The imposition of a curfew and dry law in Buriticá highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain order in regions plagued by illegal mining and organized crime. If left unchecked, these security challenges could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the region and the safety of its citizens.

The highway connecting Medellín to the Urabá region was blocked from Friday night until Saturday morning, causing significant disruptions. In response to the escalating violence, Buriticá Mayor José Luis Rodríguez Úsuga declared a curfew for the entire municipality from 10:00 p.m. on May 31 to 11:59 p.m. on June 3. A dry law was also imposed during this period to prevent further unrest.

The recent events in Buriticá highlight the ongoing issues related to illegal mining in the region. The Clan del Golfo, a notorious criminal organization, has significant interests in these activities, exacerbating the security challenges faced by local authorities. The municipality has experienced intermittent blockades on the highway in recent days, further complicating efforts to maintain order.

Key Takeaways

• Violent protests by informal miners in Buriticá, Colombia, block highway and set bus on fire.
• Police respond swiftly, extinguishing flames and clearing highway.
• Curfew and dry law imposed in Buriticá to maintain order and prevent further unrest.
• Illegal mining and organized crime exacerbate security challenges in the region.
• Authorities search for missing miners, prioritize restoring peace and addressing underlying issues.