Fortul, Arauca – A team working with Senator Jairo Castellanos of the Independent Social Alliance (ASI) party was attacked on February 5, leaving two security escorts dead and raising fresh concerns about escalating violence in the Arauca department. The incident underscores a volatile security situation that local officials say demands immediate national attention.
Rising Tensions in Arauca: Senator’s Team Targeted
The attack on Senator Castellanos’ team highlights a surge in violence plaguing the Arauca region.
- Two members of Senator Castellanos’ security detail were killed in the attack.
- Senator Castellanos was not present in the vehicle targeted during the incident.
- A van was stolen, and the assistant driver, an engineer, was abducted.
- Local leaders are urging the national government to increase its focus on security in Arauca.
The attack occurred in Fortul, Arauca, as the team prepared to transport Senator Castellanos from Yopal, where he was campaigning. He was unharmed, as he was not traveling in the vehicle at the time of the ambush. Authorities confirmed that a van was stolen during the attack, and the assistant driver, identified as an engineer, was taken against his will, with his current whereabouts unknown.
What is the current situation in Arauca?
Arauca has seen a marked increase in armed conflict in recent months, prompting calls for greater government intervention. The mayor of Arauquita recently stated, “We need the Government to put its eyes on Arauca,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation following a recent attack in the area.
Did you know? The attack on Senator Castellanos’ team is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Arauca, raising fears of a resurgence of armed groups in the region.
Details surrounding the attack remain under investigation. Authorities are working to locate the stolen van and the abducted engineer. The incident has prompted increased security measures for political figures operating in the region.
