Colombia has strengthened security on the highway between the capital Bogota and the city of Villavicencio, reported a local radio station on Monday.
According to the report, the Colombian army has deployed 1,200 troops to patrol the highway and keep citizens and cars safe from attacks.
The increase in troops follows the recent bombing of a bus on the road and a consequent increased travel alert for foreigners by the Australian government
Army General Jaime Esguerra Santos, commander of the 4th Division, said that the additional security includes troops from the 7th Brigade, the 13th Brigade, DAS agents, national police, and assistance from the Colombian Air Force, in order to secure one of the most central routes in the Country. The special forces will be deployed throughout the entire stretch of the highway as well as in surrounding areas.
Officials hope that the military push for increased security in the area will regain confidence in Colombian tourism and ease mobility throughout the area, as well as increased development and investment in the departments of Meta and Cundinamarca.
