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Bogotá ramps up security ahead of Colombia’s pivotal presidential runoff

By Richard Emblin - June 18, 2026

Bogotá is stepping up security and emergency preparations ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff, deploying more than 12,500 police officers across the Colombian capital while easing alcohol restrictions after reaching a compromise with the city’s hospitality sector during the FIFA World Cup. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán and Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez chaired a high-level Security Council […]

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán accompanied by Metropolitan Police chief Brigadier General José Daniel Gualdrón.

Bogotá Mayor Galán calls for 8,000 more police after deadly film set attack

By Richard Emblin - April 21, 2026

Bogotá’s mayor has called for a major expansion of the city’s police force following a deadly knife attack on a television production set and a separate killing at a public transport station, as authorities warn of shifting patterns of urban crime in Colombia’s capital. Carlos Fernando Galán said the city requires at least 8,000 additional […]

Bogotá police take into custody alias "Misión" who facilitated the arrival of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua in the capital Photo: Alcaldía de Bogotá

‘Invisible narco’ who enabled Tren de Aragua’s entry into Bogotá captured in police operation

By The City Paper Staff - April 8, 2026

Colombian authorities have captured the alleged crime boss “Mison,” also known as the “invisible narco”, who played a key role in facilitating the arrival of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua in the capital Bogotá The suspect, also known as “El Viejo,” was detained in Ecuador and handed over to Colombian authorities at the […]

Five of the Metro de Bogotá trains are currently in the Colombian capital. Photo: Alcaldía de Bogotá

Bogotá declares Metro Line 2 tender void after no bids received

By The City Paper Staff - January 21, 2026

The Bogotá mayoralty has declared the tender process for the construction of the capital’s second metro line void after no bids were submitted by the deadline, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said on Tuesday, highlighting ongoing challenges facing Colombia’s most ambitious infrastructure project. Galán said none of the prequalified consortia presented final offers before the cutoff […]

Trump praises “brilliant” military operation against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro

By Richard Emblin - January 3, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed as “brilliant” the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, as explosions were reported in Caracas early Saturday. Governments across the Americas and Europe are reacting to the arrest of the Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. In a brief telephone interview with […]

The so-called "Congreso de los Pueblos" has occupied five government buildings this week. Photo: Richard Emblin

Bogotá: “Criminal structures” behind Congress of the Peoples protest

By The City Paper Staff - October 16, 2025

A wave of coordinated protests and building occupations by the social movement known as the “Congress of the Peoples” has raised alarms in Bogotá this week, after Interior Minister Armando Benedetti claimed that “criminal structures” are behind the unrest, pointing to alleged infiltration by armed groups, most notably the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla. The […]

Venezuelan Activists Attacked in Bogotá During Targeted Shooting

By The City Paper Staff - October 14, 2025

Two Venezuelan human rights activists living in exile in Colombia were wounded in a targeted shooting on Monday afternoon in northern Bogotá, an attack that has renewed fears over the safety of political dissidents in the country. The assault took place just days after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel […]

Bogotá braces for protests and mobility havoc on Tuesday

By The City Paper Staff - September 15, 2025

Bogotá drivers from multiple sectors plan a mass protest on September 17 against Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, citing 18 grievances including corruption, insecurity, and abusive mobility policies. The demonstration threatens major traffic disruptions in Colombia’s capital.

Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies at 39 After Assassination Attempt

By Richard Emblin - August 11, 2025

Miguel Uribe Turbay, the prominent Colombian politician and presidential candidate has died age 39, two months after an assassination attempt in Bogotá. Turbay was shot at close range in the head by a 15-year-old hired gunman.

Colombia’s AG Denies Assassination Plot Against Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán

By Richard Emblin - July 23, 2025

Colombia’s Attorney General has denied reports of a plot to assassinate Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, calling a wiretapped conversation aired by Noticias RCN a misinterpreted joke between drug dealers in Bucaramanga. The call appears to be unrelated to the investigation into the June 7 attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay.

Bogotá Cracks Down on Drug Gangs and Stolen Vehicle Parts in Security Sweeps

By Richard Emblin - July 18, 2025

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced two major security operations: the arrest of 31 gang members distributing drugs near schools and universities, and the seizure of 150 stolen vehicle engines in Siete de Agosto. Galán warned that rising drug production is fueling urban crime nationwide.

Petro “Loses the Street” as National Strike stalls with rising discontent

By Richard Emblin - June 1, 2025

President Petro’s failed national strike and empty plazas reveal his dwindling public support. As violent protests disrupt daily life, Colombians are turning away from his rhetoric, signaling that the President who once owned the streets has now lost them.

After a severe water crisis in Bogotá, Mayor Galán ends rationing

By The City Paper Staff - April 11, 2025

Bogotá ends year-long water rationing as Chingaza reservoir levels stabilize, marking a major recovery from one of the city’s worst water crises. Mayor Galán urges continued conservation, citing improved inflows, weather, and public cooperation in avoiding supply disruption.

Petro’s Civic Day rallies thousands, but Senate rejects contentious Labor Reform

By Richard Emblin - March 18, 2025

Thousands marched in Bogotá on Petro’s “Civic Day” to pressure Congress into passing his labor reform, but the Senate rejected the bill. Petro condemned lawmakers, warning of a referendum push as political tensions between his administration and Congress escalate.

Violent turf war in Bogotá’s San Bernardo leaves three dead, nine injured

By The City Paper Staff - March 13, 2025

A grenade explosion in Bogotá’s San Bernardo neighborhood on March 12 has killed three and injured nine. District authorities link the attack to ongoing turf wars between criminal groups over control of the micro-trafficking drugs trade.

The First Line of Bogotá Metro reaches halfway mark in construction

By The City Paper Staff - March 9, 2025

Bogotá’s Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced that the First Line of the Bogotá Metro has reached 50% completion. The 23.9 km line, set to open in 2028, will transform urban mobility, easing congestion and modernizing the city’s public transport system. The first train will arrive in the Colombian capital in September.