On 14 March 2025, in Barrancabermeja (Santander), an unidentified individual shot and killed the owner of a billiards club in the Kennedy neighborhood. The victim was also a community leader and a member of the Municipal Victims' Board. Authorities suspect the attack may have been linked to a personal dispute or a settling of scores, as the victim had a criminal record. However, the motives and perpetrators have not been confirmed, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the attack was related to his social work. The area is known for the presence of the Gulf Clan, the 37th FARC dissident front, the ELN, and local gangs. 1 fatality.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 14, 2025, a community leader and billiard hall business owner was killed in a shooting in Barrancabermeja, Santander Department, Colombia. Authorities suggest the possibility of personal conflict or retaliation between criminal organizations, but the motive and perpetrators have not yet been identified.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Oil refining region instability: Barrancabermeja is a strategic city home to Colombia's largest oil refining facility, with potential impact on energy supply chains if regional security deteriorates
• Magdalena River logistics axis risk: The area serves as a key hub for inland transportation via the Magdalena River, raising concerns about disruptions to inland logistics flows if social instability spreads
• Regional business environment deterioration: Increasing violence against community leaders could lead to weakened investment sentiment and reduced safety for local business operations
• Expanding security vacuum: Increased criminal organization activity could heighten security threats to ports and overland transportation routes

3. Watch points

• Whether additional violent incidents occur in Barrancabermeja and Santander Department, and security reinforcement measures for oil facilities
• Colombian government announcements of security enhancement policies for the region and current status of military and police deployments