Colombia’s largest criminal syndicate has declared a ceasefire for Christmas and New Year, encouraging other organizations to follow suit as well. “We declare a unilateral ceasefire of offensive military action nationally in all of the areas where we are present, between Dec. 8, 2018 and Jan. 10, 2019. We invite all armed groups who are part of the conflict to adopt a similar position to ours, always with the goal of contributing to the cause of peace.” the organization announced on its website. The Gulf Clan, also known as the Usuga Clan and the Autodefensas Gaitanistas are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal mining. Ceasefires for Christmas and elections are a longstanding tradition in Colombian organized gangs, including the now-demobilized FARC rebels.
Source: Colombia’s Gulf Clan crime gang declares holiday ceasefire | Reuters
