14 Killed in fighting in Medellin

Lostagain · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 07:10 PM

According to today's El Pais, 14 people have been killed in fighting between the government forces (army & police) and the guerrillas in an attempt by the gov't to retake a neighborhood that has about 130K people in it. A car bomb was also disarmed. On the news last night they said there was a lot of fighting going on and ambulances were standing by to evacuate the wounded.

If you have immediate plans to visit Medellin, it would be a good idea to wait a bit for things to settle down.

(Ray, sorry to hear about your friend Eddie. At least he's in the best hospital in the area. Tequendama, unfortunately has a high crime rate as it is very close and accessible to Siloe, which is a very dangerous neighborhood. It is not surprising you were robbed there. Be careful.)

#2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2002, 09:12 PM

I know some of the guys must have been sick of my saying my "source" a while back. Honestly, I haven't been able to get in touch with him now. I hope he's ok. He emphasized to me that the last city to visit is Medellin because it had the most rebel activity. Someday I want to visit it when things cool down . Heads up!

DCNUPE/Eddie · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 06:05 PM

Just recently returned from Colombia (I live in the Wash. DC area), and I must honestly say, I felt safer in Colombia than here.

I was even in Medellin a few years ago, and had no problems. Just use your head (above your shoulders).

peace/cuidate
Eddie