Armed strike paralyzes Santa Marta; criminal groups assert shadow governance

A three-day armed strike in Santa Marta, Colombia, orchestrated by criminal gangs, has paralyzed the city, reflecting a five-decade history of gang dominance in the region. The event underscores the erosion of state control and the emergence of parallel governance structures. The full scope and immediate consequences remain unclear, but the strike signals a significant challenge to public order and state authority.