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Jorge Eduardo Mora Announces New Security Measures for Ocaña and Catatumbo Following ELN Terrorist Attack

General Jorge Eduardo Mora, along with military and police leadership, announced a new package of security measures to reinforce territorial control in Ocaña and the Catatumbo region. These measures follow a terrorist attack by the ELN on the night of September 4th against the Cantón Militar El Trapiche, which resulted in three dead soldiers and five wounded. The decisions were adopted during a security council meeting involving the governor of Northern Santander and high-ranking regional officials. Following the attack, Kfir combat aircraft flew over Ocaña and Cúcuta. The Ministry of Defense announced a new security strategy on September 5th. Political analyst Jorge Mantilla noted that while military force and intelligence are important, the strategy must address the region's territorial isolation. Mantilla stated that infrastructure development, such as the completion of the Troncal del Catatumbo, is fundamental to reducing geographical and economic isolation. He also emphasized that a successful strategy requires a drug policy that provides licit economic alternatives for communities and a return policy for displaced populations to restore state legitimacy.

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