Tuluá mayor urges incoming government to reinforce security, target rural armed groups

The mayor of Tuluá, Gustavo Vélez, has formally requested the incoming government of President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella to bolster security and launch an offensive against armed groups operating in the municipality's rural territories. This urgent appeal comes in the wake of a recent armed assault on a police station in the Barragán district.

The specific incident that prompted Mayor Vélez's request occurred on July 15, when the sub-station of the Public Force in Barragán was targeted. According to Lieutenant Colonel Cristhian Enrique Bohórquez, commander of the Tuluá police station, the attackers fired upon the facility from the vicinity of the main park. Police officers immediately responded, repelling the assault and regaining control of the situation.

Initial reports suggest the attack was perpetrated by alleged members of the '57 Yair Bermúdez' residual armed group. This faction is reportedly linked to the 'Adán Izquierdo' FARC dissidents, who follow the orders of 'Iván Mordisco.' The Valle Police Department, in collaboration with the Military Forces and other authorities, has initiated search operations in the area to apprehend those responsible.

Mayor Vélez highlighted that the rural areas of Tuluá have been facing a complex security situation for some time, largely due to the presence of the '57 Yair Bermúdez' and 'Adán Izquierdo' fronts. The request to the new administration emphasizes the need for decisive action to address the ongoing threat posed by these organized armed groups in the region.