Colombia: Government says Bajo Cauca miners' strike is under control despite paramilitary violence and threats to continue
For three weeks, miners from six municipalities in Antioquia's Bajo Cauca region have been blocking roads, protesting government-ordered controls on illegal mining, including the burning of machinery. Official sources confirmed that the strike is being promoted by the illegal [right-wing] armed group Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, AGC (also known as Clan del Golfo). However, spokespersons for informal and traditional miners have insisted on the need to review state policy and threaten to continue the protests.