[2] The area represents a centralized strategic path to travel easily to any department of the Caribbean Region.

The area had been disputed since 1998 by nearly 80 paramilitaries commanded by Rodrigo Antonio Mercado (aka "Pelufo" or "Cadena") with nearly 300 guerrilla fighters from the 35th and 37th fronts of the Caribbean Bloc of the FARC-EP guerrilla, led by alias Martin Caballero.

[2][3] Investigations regarding the massacre were carried out by the Human Rights Unit of the Attorney General Office of Colombia.

Alvaro Garcia (AG): I consider that that decision is not easy to make today, but that it will be easy to make in ten days... Joaquin Garcia (JG): Well, the truth is that what matters is that the troops are not taken there, stay for two days, and then leave... AG: That proposal can be done by the governor, listen... JG: Hope you can help me with that, pal, because... AG: Take that for granted.

JG: Got it, eh, but you didn't tell me anything... AG: Aníbal told me about it, but I was in a hurry.