Buenaventura Massacre. 12 People Killed

The authorities continue to take action to clarify what happened in Santa María (Buenaventura), exactly in the sector known as Sagrada Familia, in the lower area of the Naya River, where twelve people were killed.

According to the latest details provided by the territorial entities regarding what happened, five women and seven men were killed in that area of the country.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, units from different institutions will try to reach the site to establish the identities of the fatal victims of the massacre in Buenaventura. Likewise, it was learned that, apparently, contrary to what was initially said, the homicides were not recorded in the middle of a confrontation.

Apparently, the murdered people were partying in a public establishment when the criminals opened fire. What was confirmed is that the fatal victims were not part of the communities located in that area of the Naya River.

They seek to enter that complex area of Valle del Cauca

The Colombian Navy reported that it has deployed river and Marine Infantry units to Puerto Merizalde to support government authorities in the Naya River region.

Likewise, on Tuesday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m., the authorities will hold a technical meeting to define the way to access the community of Santa María, located in the jurisdiction of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca; their objective is to coordinate a verification mission in Santa María, due to recent public order events.

“The Colombian Navy, together with the Mayor of Buenaventura, the Technical Investigation Corps - CTI of the Attorney General's Office, the Ombudsman's Office, the National Police, the District Ombudsman's Office, the different district secretariats, the Attorney General's Office, the National Protection Unit and the National Victims Unit, reviewed and analyzed the situation presented and as a result of this agreement, tomorrow, September 10 at 10:00 a.m., a technical meeting will be held to organize the details of the entry of a verification mission into the community of Santa María, where it is presumed there was a confrontation between Organized Armed Groups,” they said in a statement.

In addition to the mission that seeks to identify the victims and clarify what happened, the authorities will also send a group to provide special attention to the civilian population in that area of Buenaventura.

“In light of the emergency situation, government authorities confirmed that on Friday, September 13, they will enter the territory to provide assistance to the civilian population in the area, with the security provided by the Public Force. The Colombian Navy arranged for river and Marine Infantry units to enter Puerto Merizalde, to provide support to government entities in the territory from there,” they reported.

Among the first actions that have been carried out to allow the mission to enter that territory, is the overflight that was carried out on Monday, September 9, to verify the conditions of the terrain.

“Additionally, with the support of the Colombian Air Force, a reconnaissance overflight was carried out at noon on Monday in the Santa María sector, which allowed the verification of the conditions of the area for the access of the authorities,” says the statement.

“Likewise, the Naval Institution arranged for a helicopter overflight to verify both the situation of the communities on the river, as well as the presence of river units in the area. The Colombian Navy will continue to work in a coordinated manner with the different entities of the National Government, to develop actions that allow safeguarding the life and integrity of the civilian population," they added.