Often the Colombian people are surprised with different outbursts called: "social demonstrations" that affect the stability of our nation. It is done by workers' unions, teachers, youth, indigenous people, etc. However, in recent years groups that have frequently taken up illegal arms have resorted to the social demonstration, called "Armed Strike".
But what is an armed strike? In Colombia, "armed strikes" refer to actions by illegal armed groups such as guerrillas, paramilitaries or drug traffickers, in which they attack civilian life and official armed forces, by blocking roads, restricting mobility, threats that force the closure of commercial establishments and the suspension of classes in schools and universities.
In recent years, the ELN guerrillas have announced several armed strikes, the most recent being last February, which left significant damage to the country's road and energy infrastructure.
On this occasion, the extradition of Dairo Antonio Úsuga, alias "Otoniel," the most wanted man in Colombia unleashed an immediate retaliation by the Clan del Golfo, the illegal armed organization he led.
On Thursday, May 5, the Clan del Golfo, also known as Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, Los Urabeños or Clan Úsuga, circulated a pamphlet in which 4 days of armed strike are decreed.
The pamphlet indicated that it was forbidden to open a business of any kind and to move in any type of transport. The statement ended with the threat of "unfavorable consequences" to those who failed to comply with these measures.
According to the Clan del Golfo, that armed strike should have ended at midnight on Monday, May 9. However, the terrorist actions of these groups have not ceased and today we have strong effects in a large part of the national territory. According to the national authorities, there have already been more than one hundred (100) terrorist actions of these groups: among them, burning of vehicles, burning of businesses, displacements, and murders.
Sadly, our brethren in Christ and churches have been directly affected by these terrorist measures and actions. It is estimated that last Sunday, May 8, there were more than two thousand churches (2,000) that could not gather to celebrate their services as they traditionally used to. Moreover, Vision Agape (Colombian branch of OD) has testimonies of brothers in the regions where the celebration of Mother's Day was still prohibited.
please pray
- Ask God to protect our brothers and sisters who are in the midst of the crossfire. Pray for the brothers who have been directly affected by the material and physical losses following this terrorist wave.
- Pray for Vision Agape as field activities have been affected and interrupted and postponed, given the disturbance of public order.
- Being close to the presidential elections, a scenario of greater confrontation between political parties is emerging due to the great possibility that the candidate of the left will win, which he has never won. The violence in Colombia began more than sixty years ago precisely with the assassination of a liberal candidate who would win the presidential elections. Pray that God will take control of these warring spiritual forces as they all turn to esotericism and witchcraft to ensure their achievement of their political campaign.
