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Passengers are rescued from a municipal bus in Cauca, Colombia, during Saturday's terrorist attack on the Pan-American highway. Photo: X

U.S. Issues Strong “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Southwestern Colombia

By Richard Emblin - April 29, 2026

The United States has updated a “do not travel” warning for large parts of southwestern Colombia after a wave of terrorist attacks have left over 20 people dead, underscoring growing international concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation and prompting regional authorities to demand stronger support from the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro. The […]

Terror Attacks Across Colombia Kill 19, Injure 70 in Cali and Antioquia

By The City Paper Staff - August 21, 2025

At least eleven people are dead in Colombia after FARC dissidents detonated a truck bomb outside an air force base in Cali and shot down a police helicopter in Antioquia, in one of the deadliest days of recent violence.

Petro Delivers Defiant Speech from Cali in Defense of His August 7 Referendum

By The City Paper Staff - June 12, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended a binding referendum to bypass Congress and push labor reforms, sparking controversy over democratic norms. Critics accuse him of undermining institutions and consolidating an autocratic government by executive decree.

Bombings in Colombia’s southwest kill Eight, leave 75 injured

By The City Paper Staff - June 11, 2025

Tuesday’s attacks across southwest Colombia by FARC dissidents in have killed eight persons and injured 75. Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces mounting pressure amid rising violence and a constitutional crisis over his proposed referendum rejected in May by Congress.

With Miguel Uribe in Critical Condition, FARC Dissidents Attack Southwest Colombia

By Richard Emblin - June 10, 2025

FARC dissidents have launched coordinated attacks across southwest Colombia, killing at least four and injuring dozens in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Cali. Explosions targeted police stations and infrastructure, while a sniper killed an officer. The violence follows the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition.

ELN flag spotted on Bogotá’s AutoNorte, Cali denounces FARC clandestine radio

By The City Paper Staff - February 14, 2025

Authorities in Bogotá closed a major motorway after an ELN flag was found near the city’s northern entrance. No explosives were discovered. Police are investigating possible criminal group involvement. Similar flags and a bomb cylinder were found in other regions on anniversary of Camilo Torres’ death.

COP16 ends with urgent commitments to global conservation efforts

By Richard Emblin - November 1, 2024

COP16 concludes in Colombia, uniting global leaders and communities with a message of “Peace with Nature” and setting bold commitments for biodiversity and environmental conservation.

COP16: Colombia presents ambitious Biodiversity Action Plan

By The City Paper Staff - October 25, 2024

Colombia unveiled its 2030 biodiversity action plan at COP16, aiming to protect 34% of its territory, boost its bioeconomy, and strengthen protections for environmental defenders and ecosystems.

COP16: Colombia calls for Genetic “Sovereignty” and Global Fund to share Data

By The City Paper Staff - October 23, 2024

Colombia has proposed at the COP16 Summit in Cali, the creation of an international fund to ensure that the commercial benefits obtained from genetic information are shared with countries of origin, promoting the protection of biodiversity.

Greening our Oceans: COP16 and a case for a Sustainable Shipping Industry

By Pradeep Kurukulasuriya - October 23, 2024

Redirecting private investments through derisking strategies is crucial to making the shipping industry’s green transition equitable for the Global South, writes Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary of the UNCDF from COP16 in Cali, Colombia.

COP16 Biodiversity Summit opens in Cali with focus on “Peace with Nature”

By Richard Emblin - October 21, 2024

Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.

Colombia recognizes Indigenous Peoples as Environmental Authorities ahead of COP16

By The City Paper Staff - October 16, 2024

President Gustavo Petro signed a decree granting indigenous communities environmental authority over their territories. The move comes as Colombia prepares for COP16, highlighting indigenous roles in biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management

Armored ‘Gladiators’ reach Cali to protect COP16 Biodiversity Summit

By The City Paper Staff - October 11, 2024

The city of Cali in southwestern Colombia is strengthening security for the COP16 biodiversity summit with the arrival of “Gladiator” armored vehicles, over 4,000 police officers, 1,700 soldiers, and special forces to protect 13,000 attendees of the global event.

FARC dissidents of “Iván Mordisco” announce ceasefire in Cali for COP16 Summit

By The City Paper Staff - October 10, 2024

The FARC dissidents under alias “Iván Mordisco” have declared a temporary ceasefire in Cali ahead of the COP16 biodiversity summit. The ceasefire, announced on social media, will take effect from October 11 to November 6, though the group has reserved its right to self-defense.

From “Barrio” to Stage: 25-Years of Bogotá’s iconic Salsa al Parque

By The City Paper Staff - October 4, 2024

Bogotá will once again be transformed into a vibrant barrio of salsa, a place where history, rhythm, and community converge in a celebration of sound and movement with the 25th anniversar edition of Salsa Al Parque.

Indigenous blockade on Colombia’s Pan-American highway turns violent

By The City Paper Staff - August 21, 2024

An explosive device has killed one person and injured another during indigenous protests blocking the Colombia’s Pan-American Highway in the department of Cauca, escalating tensions with the Petro government.