Once a dangerous neighborhood in Colombia, Comuna 13 is now a nice tourist attraction

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA - JUNE 28: A neighborhood in the bustling city of Medellin, Colombia, 'Comuna 13' has turned into a tourist attraction following a set of security operations and renovation projects of local authorities. It was once home to a series of criminal activities of the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Comuna 13 neighborhood in the district of San Javier provided the Colombian cartels and crime groups with a safe environment for their actions thanks to its central location and narrow streets. It was a place of drug trafficking, prostitution, robbery, smuggling, contract killing, and gang activities, and also served as a human resource base for Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel. After the assassination of Pablo Escobar, the neighborhood was controlled by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) until a military siege set out by the Colombian government to overthrow the paramilitary units in 2002. Known as Orion Operation and regarded one of the biggest city sieges in modern times, the military siege lasted for days. Dozens of people disappeared as the National Army fired on paramilitary groups, ELN and FARC guerillas and urban militias from helicopters. As Medellin went through a social transformation process, so did Comuna 13. The neighborhood has been attracting local and foreign visitors, who wander around the narrow streets that were once home to illegal activities of the armed groups and the mafia. Visitors who explore the area can shop from souvenir stores, enjoy the local music, taste traditional food, and take beautiful photos of the neighborhood. (Footage by Sinan Doğan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)