Colombia: Massive power outage in Nariño following attack

Event

An attack carried out against electricity infrastructure in Tumaco late on Monday, March 26, has reportedly left more than 200,000 people without power in Nariño department. Two transmission towers were bombed and repairs are underway. It is unclear when power - still out as of March 28 - will be fully restored.

It also remains unclear who was behind the attack, although dissident members of the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) are suspected.

Context

The restive area is a major cocaine growing area and transit point, located on the Pacific Ocean and the Ecuadorian border. According to the UN, there are more than 23,000 hectares (57,000 acres) of coca fields in Tumaco alone, believed to be responsible for 16 percent of all of Colombia’s coca cultivation.

Various other armed groups are active in Nariño department, including organized crime groups (BACRIM) involved in narcotrafficking and the ELN guerrilla group (Ejército de Liberación Nacional).

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country, including parts of Nariño.