Colombia: General strike in Urabá region from Jan. 3

Event

A general strike was launched at 00:01 (local time) on Wednesday, January 3, in the Urabá region of Antioquia department to protest a rise in highway toll prices. Transport-sector workers and shop owners are expected to take part, along with other groups, which could result in major disruptions in the region. Associated demonstrations with the potential to result in clashes are also to be anticipated throughout the duration of the strike, for example at toll plazas.  

Context

The Urabá region is located in the northwest of the country near the border with Panama. It is made up of the municipalities of Apartadó, Arboletes, Carepa, Chigorodó, Murindó, Mutatá, Turbo, Necoclí, San Juan de Urabá, San Pedro de Urabá, and Vigía del Fuerte.

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to avoid all protests and allow for additional time to reach their destinations.

On a separate note, due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, and the ELN guerrilla group - some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, including parts of the Urabá region.