Sobrevivientes de El Salado hacen una cronología de la masacre | Noticias Caracol

20 Years of Solitude: The Tragedy of El Salado

Introduction to the Massacre

• Twenty years ago, a small village in the Montes de María region of Bolívar became infamous for the brutal massacre where 450 paramilitaries killed its inhabitants. Victims were gathered in the central park, tortured, raped, and selectively murdered.

Arrival of Violence

• In the early 1990s, violence reached Villa del Rosario and El Salado as FARC's Front 35 took control, targeting public force members. The conflict was rooted in land control disputes.

Territorial Control and Conflict Dynamics

• Armed groups fought for dominance over Montes de María, strategically located between Bajo Magdalena and the Atlantic coast. This area was crucial for illegal drug and arms trafficking.

Emergence of Paramilitary Forces

• In 1997, paramilitary forces from AUC began territorial incursions into Montes de María, leading to bloodshed among innocent civilians.

Survivor Accounts

• Survivors like Jim Leape recount their experiences during those horrific days when they learned to fear death. Confusion reigned as paramilitaries disguised themselves as military personnel.

The Gathering at Central Park

• Residents were herded into the central park under false pretenses by heavily armed men claiming to be AUC. They were unaware of the impending horror that awaited them.

Initial Atrocities Committed

• Witnesses describe how several individuals were executed publicly; one victim was a teacher named Doris. Over ten people were killed on that day alone under accusations of guerrilla collaboration.

Threatening Warnings Before Return

• On December 16th, 1999, a helicopter dropped threatening pamphlets warning residents about an impending return of violence after a brief absence.

The Attack Begins

• On February 16th, 2000, paramilitary forces launched an attack on El Salado with multiple groups entering from different directions under various commanders' leadership.

Conquest and Control by Paramilitaries

• After expelling FARC from the area on February 18th, paramilitaries took control over El Salado unexpectedly. They rounded up villagers for torture and execution.

Scale of Violence

• Reports indicate that there were at least 61 victims among men, women, and children during this violent takeover.

Chaos During the Attack

• As chaos ensued in El Salado with families fleeing in terror while paramilitaries destroyed homes indiscriminately amidst cries for help.

Misconceptions About Rescue

• Survivors recall moments when they mistakenly believed helicopters overhead signaled rescue but instead faced gunfire from attackers below.

Selection Process Among Victims

• Captured individuals were divided into groups akin to a sports selection process; some would face execution without justification or reason given by their captors.

Horrific Celebrations Amidst Death

• Executions turned into grotesque celebrations marked by drumming; young women faced sexual violence while resisting led to gruesome fates as trophies for perpetrators.

Testimony of Violence and Resilience

Experiences of Violence

• The speaker recounts horrific experiences of violence, including torture, sexual assault, and physical abuse. They express a sense of helplessness during these traumatic events.

• A vivid description is provided about the aftermath of violence in their community, highlighting the silence that followed the chaos and loss of life, with only one donkey remaining alive as a symbol of survival amidst devastation.

Journey Towards Healing

• After 20 years, the speaker emphasizes the possibility of healing and reconstruction after trauma. They advocate for speaking out on behalf of women who have suffered sexual violence in Montes de María.

• The discussion shifts to community issues such as infrastructure development (roads, health centers, schools), while raising concerns about gender-related topics being overlooked in these discussions.

Personal Growth and Forgiveness

• The speaker reflects on their personal journey towards feeling fulfilled and healed. They mention having forgiven their perpetrators internally despite not receiving any apologies or acknowledgment from them.

Threats Against Activism

• The speaker shares recent threats against themselves and their family due to their activism. These threats are described as violent and deeply unsettling.

Justice and Community Needs

• There is skepticism regarding justice for victims in Salado; the speaker believes that social needs were neglected while focusing on physical infrastructure improvements.