Latest News

Petro faces fresh political crisis after leaked audios link officials to alleged smuggler

By The City Paper Staff - April 6, 2026

Fresh audio revelations broadcast by Noticias Caracol have triggered a political storm in Colombia, implicating senior government-linked figures in alleged secret contacts with one of the country’s most notorious smugglers, Diego Marín Buitrago. The recordings, aired late on April 5, appear to document meetings between intermediaries connected to President Gustavo Petro and the legal representative […]

Colombia, Ecuador in trade and energy spat after Noboa announces 30% “security” tariff

By The City Paper Staff - January 22, 2026

Colombia and Ecuador have started exchanging trade retaliations after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% “security” tariff on imports from Colombia, escalating tensions between Andean neighbours over border security cooperation. Noboa said the measure would take effect on Feb. 1 and would remain in place until Colombia shows “real commitment” to jointly tackle drug […]

Colombia records 40,663 murders under Petro, surpassing Santos and Duque

By The City Paper Staff - December 9, 2025

Colombia has recorded 40,663 homicides during the first three years of President Gustavo Petro’s government, surpassing the totals reported under the administrations of Iván Duque and Juan Manuel Santos, according to a report published Tuesday by the Centro de Paz y Seguridad of Universidad Externado. The report documents killings between August 2022 and August 2025, […]

Ex-Spychief Hugo Carvajal Warns U.S of Maduro’s “Narco-Terrorist” Regime

By The City Paper Staff - December 4, 2025

Hugo Carvajal Barrios, the former Venezuelan intelligence chief known as “El Pollo,” has issued an explosive letter from a U.S. federal prison alleging that Nicolás Maduro’s government systematically used drug trafficking, criminal gangs, espionage networks, and even electoral technology as tools to undermine the United States. The 10-page statement, addressed to “President Trump and the […]

Trump Calls Colombia’s Petro an “Illegal Drug Leader,” Halts U.S. Aid

By The City Paper Staff - October 19, 2025

In an extraordinary escalation that threatens to end decades of strategic partnership, U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Sunday labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader” and announced the immediate suspension of U.S. financial aid to Colombia. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused […]

Colombia Targets TdeA as U.S. Launches More Caribbean Strikes

By Richard Emblin - October 15, 2025

Colombia’s National Police captured a top Venezuelan of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, hours after a second fugitive jumped to his death from his luxury apartment in Medellín. The recent offensive against TdeA comes as the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro also ruled out any possibility of peace talks with the transnational gang. […]

White House Wants Petro to Retract Claims Of “Colombian Deaths” in Narco Strike

By Richard Emblin - October 9, 2025

The White House said it would “welcome” a public retraction from Colombian President Gustavo Petro after he accused the U.S. military of killing Colombian citizens during a recent naval strike in the Caribbean, calling his remarks “baseless and reprehensible.” The clash underscores a widening diplomatic rift that now extends to international waters, deepening already strained […]

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 Tells Trump That Military Action in Venezuela is “Worst Mistake”

By The City Paper Staff - August 20, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned U.S. President Donald Trump that military action in Venezuela would be the “worst mistake,” after Washington deployed three warships to the Caribbean. Petro said an intervention risked dragging Colombia into a Syria-like conflict while fueling regional instability.

Álvaro Uribe Faces Verdict in Colombia’s ‘Trial of the Century’

By Richard Emblin - July 28, 2025

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe faces a historic court ruling Monday in a witness tampering case that could make him the first ex-head of state convicted in the country. The verdict, linked to attempts to discredit paramilitary accusations, may reshape Colombia’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.

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.

ELN Modifies Drones To Target Colombia’s Security Forces

By Richard Emblin - July 22, 2025

Three Colombian soldiers were killed and eight injured in a drone attack by ELN guerrillas on Independence Day in Norte de Santander. The strike marks a deadly escalation in the use of weaponized drones, as armed groups increasingly adopt remote warfare tactics in Colombia’s ongoing internal conflict.

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.

Cocaine Production Hits Record High, Colombia’s Coca Crop at 253,000 Hectares

By The City Paper Staff - June 26, 2025

Global cocaine production hit a record 3,708 tons in 2023, driven by a surge in coca cultivation in Colombia, the UN reported. Cocaine use, seizures, and drug-related environmental crimes are rising worldwide, with Indigenous communities in the Amazon disproportionately affected by violence, displacement, and illegal gold mining

Petro Faces Criminal Case Over “Hostile” Social Media Against Miguel Uribe

By The City Paper Staff - June 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces a formal criminal complaint over 43 statements allegedly inciting hostility against Senator Miguel Uribe, who remains in critical condition after a June 7 assassination attempt. The case can only deepen tensions amid a politically volatile pre-election campaign.

Petro’s Disapproval Rises to 64% as Colombians Abandon Leftist Agenda

By The City Paper Staff - June 17, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s disapproval rating has risen to 64%, according to a new Invamer poll, as political tensions mount following an assassination attempt on opposition candidate Miguel Uribe. Public confidence in Petro’s reforms, peace agenda, and governance continues to erode ahead of the 2026 presidential election.