Armed Conflict | The City Paper Bogotá

U.S Executive Order to Freeze Aid impacts Colombia’s Black Hawk fleet

By Richard Emblin - January 31, 2025

President Trump’s executive order freezing U.S. foreign aid threatens to ground Colombia’s Black Hawk helicopters, vital for counter-narcotics and security operations. With Russian MI-17s also grounded, Colombia faces disruptions in conflict zones such as Catatumbo and environmental protection efforts within its National Parks.

Colombia's Peace Commissioner Danilo Rueda shakes hands with the ELN's Pablo Beltran in Caracas./Presidencia

Colombia’s peace talks with ELN on brink of collapse as tensions escalate

By The City Paper Staff - August 20, 2024

Colombia’s peace talks with the ELN guerrilla are on the verge of collapse as tensions escalate over unfulfilled agreements and rising accusations of ‘genocide’ from the illegal armed group.

Colombia: Cauca under attack from FARC dissidents

By The City Paper Staff - May 20, 2024

Colombia’s Armed Forces are engaged in combat with FARC dissidents of the EMC after Monday’s attack in Miranda, Cauca. Over 72 hours the southwest of Colombia has witnessed unprecedented violence.

Colombia’s Petro and Army apologize for “false positives”

By Richard Emblin - October 4, 2023

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Colombian Army offer historic apology for “False Positives” killings and acknowledges state responsibility in murders of youngsters.

“Violeta” could have taken our lives, now she’s a peace facilitator for ELN

By Richard Emblin - August 29, 2023

At age 24 Violeta Arango was accused of masterminding the 2017 bombing of the Andino shopping mall in Bogotá. The bomb claimed the lives of three woman. The suspect was named a “peace manager” by President Petro.

Colombia: Butterflies on the front line of the coca wars

By Richard Emblin - June 29, 2015

The Eloria Noyesi coca-eating butterfly could become this country’s substitute weapon in the “War on the Drugs” believes biologist Alberto Gómez Mejía.

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