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Armed Group Steals Medical Equipment from Ambulance in Nariño; Highway Closed
🇨🇴 Colombia /Energy & Infrastructure

Armed Group Steals Medical Equipment from Ambulance in Nariño; Highway Closed

From El Tiempo · (13m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Armed individuals intercepted an ambulance in Nariño, Colombia, and stole medical equipment.
  • The incident occurred while the ambulance was transporting a minor injured in a previous bombing attack.
  • The theft has led to a total closure of the Pan-American highway between Pasto and Mojarras due to escalating violence.

The brazen attack on a medical mission in Nariño, Colombia, where armed assailants intercepted an ambulance and stole vital equipment, represents a deeply disturbing escalation of violence in the region. This act, which occurred on April 26, directly targeted a humanitarian effort, underscoring a shocking disregard for the sanctity of medical services. The stolen equipment was intended for a minor who had been injured in a prior bombing incident on the Pan-American highway, highlighting the devastating ripple effects of ongoing conflict.

La guerra ya no respeta nada, esas personas no tienen respeto por la misión médica, gracias a Dios nuestra tripulación está bien.

— Paola Fernández, Manager of Hospital Eduardo SantosExpressing outrage after armed individuals stole medical equipment from an ambulance.

Paola Fernández, the manager of the Hospital Eduardo Santos in La Unión, Nariño, expressed outrage and dismay, stating, "The war no longer respects anything, these people have no respect for the medical mission." Her words powerfully convey the violation felt by healthcare workers and the community. Fortunately, the ambulance crew was unharmed, and the child, despite the interruption, was able to reach a hospital in Cali for necessary treatment. However, the incident has instilled fear and uncertainty among residents and medical personnel.

Fueron interceptadas por dos personas armadas, fueron encerradas en la cabina de la ambulancia, les apuntan con un arma y proceden a robar todos los equipos que estaban en la ambulancia.

— Paola Fernández, Manager of Hospital Eduardo SantosDescribing the attack on the ambulance.

Compounding the crisis, the Pan-American highway, a crucial artery connecting Nariño and Cauca, has been completely closed due to structural damage to a bridge caused by explosive devices. This closure, implemented on April 27, further isolates the region and hampers essential services, exacerbating the impact of the escalating violence. The Colombian authorities are grappling with a complex security situation, where non-state armed groups continue to pose a significant threat, impacting civilian lives and critical infrastructure.

Confiamos que el paciente salga adelante y que se recupere, aquí estamos parados, luchando y defendiendo a nuestro personal.

— Paola Fernández, Manager of Hospital Eduardo SantosExpressing hope for the injured child's recovery and commitment to protecting hospital staff.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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