Presumed members of the illegal group known as Los Pachenca blocked the Troncal del Caribe highway in La Guajira for 36 hours [1].
The disruption occurred on the critical route connecting Riohacha and Maicao, creating a security vacuum in a region where armed groups frequently contest territory. This incident highlights the ongoing volatility of the Colombian Caribbean coast as illegal factions react to government security interventions.
Police Director General William Rincón said the blockade began after the Colombian Army conducted an operation in the area [1]. The armed group targeted the highway to control movement and potentially extort or kidnap passengers [1, 2]. During the standoff, the group set fire to two vehicles [1].
Reports indicate that the armed men intercepted several cars carrying passengers along the highway [2]. These actions coincided with the broader effort by the military to dismantle illegal structures in the La Guajira department. The blockade effectively severed the primary transit artery connecting Santa Marta with the northernmost regions of the country [1, 2].
General Rincón said the police and military coordinated efforts to restore order on the road. The operation to clear the highway focused on removing the burning wreckage, and ensuring the safety of trapped motorists. While the road has since been reopened, authorities continue to monitor the area for further activity from Los Pachenca [1].
Local residents and transport operators said the group used the blockade to assert dominance over the corridor. The use of fire and vehicle interception serves as a tactical signal of presence to both the state and the local population [2].
“The blockade began after the Colombian Army conducted an operation in the area”
The reaction of Los Pachenca to the Army's operation demonstrates a pattern of 'retaliatory blocking' used by illegal groups in Colombia to punish civilian populations and signal strength to the state. By targeting the Troncal del Caribe, the group disrupted vital economic and social links between Riohacha and Maicao, emphasizing that despite military gains, armed factions still possess the capability to paralyze regional infrastructure.
