State and paramilitary forces launched a combined assault on the popular barrios of Comuna 13 in the mid-west of Medellín from 3 a.m. on 21st May 2002.
The Permanent Assembly of Civil Society for Peace states that more than 34,000 people live in the area where various state units entered to confront the popular militia. Intense fighting followed, including assault on family homes which, according to the Permanent Assembly, left 9 civilians dead, including an 11 year old girl and a 6 month baby boy, 37 injured and thousands displaced. The state captured 30 people and took 5 firearms.
Another source comments this was the biggest urban battle since the military/paramilitary takeover of Barrancabermeja in early 2001, "The militias fought back. Dozens were killed, perhaps as many as 200 wounded – most of the casualties apparently were civilians. The army withdrew. A large demonstration of several thousand protested the military and police action after the event."
