In a distressing turn of events, Jamundí in Valle del Cauca is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident, as two young individuals, Andrés Aristizábal and Óscar Julián Amú, were found lifeless in separate locations in the rural area. The discovery has prompted intensified investigations, with authorities now exploring potential links to the presence of dissident FARC groups in the region.
The unfolding events transpired in the early hours of Monday, November 20, 2023, following a weekend celebration in the La Liberia district. While one initially reported missing young individual was later found safe at home, the identification of the deceased victims has raised concerns about the potential involvement of armed groups operating in the area.
Colonel José Daniel Gualdrón, director of the Cali Police overseeing Jamundí, has indicated the possible role of the dissident FARC group Jaime Martínez in the tragic incident. The complex security landscape of the region, exacerbated by its proximity to the Cauca department, has witnessed recent illicit activities tied to these armed factions.
“We received information on Monday about young people who attended a party in the Liberia area. They left the gathering but did not reach their homes, prompting investigative efforts in the area,” communicated Colonel Gualdrón to the media.
The emerging hypotheses regarding the fate of the two young individuals in La Liberia come on the heels of recent events earlier this month, where authorities deactivated explosives and removed banners associated with the dissident FARC group Jaime Martínez. Operating in the southern Valle and northern Cauca, this group has been a source of concern in the region.
Eyewitnesses at the party recounted that the young men were forcibly taken from the event, sparking fears about their well-being. The bodies of the victims were discovered at different locations, further deepening the mystery surrounding the incident.
“The body of the first person was found at approximately 10:00 a.m. in a place known as Ampudia, in the rural area of Jamundí, and the other one in the San Antonio sector, around noon,” disclosed the director of the Cali Police.
As the community grapples with shock and grief, authorities are diligently pursuing leads to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths and shed light on the possible involvement of armed groups. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the presence of dissident factions in the area, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and comprehensive efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
