Colombia: Four killed in anti-government protests, military deployed

President Ivan Duque has ordered military deployment across the western region of Valle del Cauca and Cali after four were killed during anti-government protests in the country. As per authorities, four people were killed in and around Cali on Friday when tens of thousands nationwide marched during the latest protests that began on April 28 to counter a tax reform but have since expanded to comprehensive demands.

The recent deaths bring the toll to 49, while Human Rights organizations established a total of 63 fatalities had been recorded.

Conversations between the Duque government and the protest leaders, including union leaders who formed a national strike committee, have been stalled.

Amid the unrest, Duque led a security rally in the city of Cali and addressed the public in a televised message.

"From tonight, the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police in Cali and the province of Valle will begin," said the Colombian President.

He noted that more than 7,000 staff members would be sent to lift roadblocks, including members of the navy, but that no further details were given.

Clara Luz Roldan, governor of Valle del Cauca, had earlier stated that a curfew rule would start in the province from 19:00.

Attorney General Francisco Barbosa said in Cali, which has become an epicentre of nationwide protests, that two of Friday's deaths occurred when an agent of the investigative unit's investigating unit opened fire on civilians.

The agent, who was not on duty at the time, was also killed afterwards.

Video footage revealed a man lying in a pool of blood and another in the area waving a gun, which was then attacked by a group of people.