Why is there still no High Mountain Battalion in Jamundí, Valle del Cauca? President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella assures it will be a priority

The establishment of a crucial High Mountain Battalion in Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, faces significant delays, even six months after the land for the 'Coraza' battalion was acquired by the regional government. This delay is occurring despite the municipality being heavily impacted by attacks from the 'Jaime Martínez' dissident faction of the FARC, including the use of car bombs and assaults on security forces and civilians.

Dilian Francisca Toro, the governor of Valle del Cauca, confirmed that the land was purchased and handed over to the Army. However, the specific building plans for the battalion have yet to be finalized. "We bought the lot for the battalion six months ago, we handed it over to the Army, but they still haven't defined the type of building we are going to have there; we already have the resources," Toro stated. The regional government has allocated between 7.8 and 8 billion pesos from security taxes for the construction.

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We bought the lot for the battalion six months ago, we handed it over to the Army, but they still haven't defined the type of building we are going to have there; we already have the resources.

President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella has designated the battalion's strengthening as a top priority for his administration, vowing not to abandon the southwestern region of Colombia. "I have given precise instructions to the designated Minister of Defense, General Mora, to consider the strengthening of the High Mountain Battalion in Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, as a priority from the first day of my government," De la Espriella announced.

Military sources indicate that the situation is highly complex. Members of the 'Jaime Martínez' dissident group, in alliance with drug traffickers, are reportedly using the civilian population to obstruct the battalion's construction. The military aims to avoid endangering civilians, as dissidents allegedly camouflage themselves among residents, many of whom have family ties to armed groups. This tactic creates a challenging environment for security operations and construction efforts.

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I have given precise instructions to the designated Minister of Defense, General Mora, to consider the strengthening of the High Mountain Battalion in Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, as a priority from the first day of my government.