As per reports, locals have blocked the Medellín-Bogotá highway near the Las Mercedes district (Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia) on Saturday (22 February) to protest police operations against drug cartels in the area. Locals have alleged that a police operation targeting a senior leader of the Clan del Golfo led to several civilians getting caught in the cross-fire, forcing them to flee form their homes.

The operations took place in a rural area of ​​San Luis. Colombian Minister of DefenseIván Velásquez confirmed the death of a senior drug cartel leader, as well as five other members. The protesters, who remain on the road, have demanded that the National Police suspend operations in the area.