Location: Antioquia and Cordoba Departments
Event: Miners in Antioquia and Cordoba Departments have been on strike with more than 3,500 miners blocking the road from Medellin to Monteria (Route 25), along with other roads, causing food, fuel, and medicine shortages. Additionally, protesters vandalized the Caucasia Mayor’s Office and set fire to the Caucasia treasury. Protesters have also had sporadic confrontations with security forces throughout the region as well. The miners are protesting due to military operations conducted to combat illegal mining in the Antioquia and Cordoba Departments. A meeting between the Mining Strike Committee and representatives of the government took place recently but no resolution was reached. Demonstrations and road blockades continue and are expected to continue at least throughout the week.
As a precaution, travel by U.S. government employees to Bajo Cauca and Northeast Antioquia has been suspended.
Actions to Take:
Avoid protest areas.
Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
Monitor local media for updates.
Exercise vigilance.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Plan for alternative travel routes.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
Tel. +57-1-275-2000 or 601-275-2000
acsbogota@state.gov
https://co.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
conagencybarranquilla@state.gov
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
Colombia Country Information
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