Latest News

ELN warns Colombia’s Petro that it “Will Never Accept Submission or Surrender”

By Richard Emblin - February 3, 2025

As Colombia escalates its military operations against the ELN guerrilla after weeks of violence in Catatumbo region, President Petro disclosed classified intelligence on social media. The ELN has vowed to not surrender, while security threats deepen in the department of Cauca.

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.

Displaced from Colombia’s Catatumbo at 36,000 confirms Defensoría

By The City Paper Staff - January 23, 2025

Colombia’s Armed Forces launch an offensive in Catatumbo as violence between ELN and FARC dissidents displaces 36,000. The Ombudsman warns other regions, including Cauca, Guaviare, Valle del Cauca and Cauca, risk similar humanitarian crises.

Conflict in Catatumbo sparks Colombia’s worst humanitarian crisis in decades

By The City Paper Staff - January 21, 2025

Violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region has displaced 20,000 people amid clashes between ELN guerrillas and FARC dissidents. Humanitarian aid is overwhelmed as thousands flee to urban centers. Authorities report 100 fatalities, with children comprising 35% of the displaced population.

President Gustavo Petro in San Andrés on the day of the kidnapping of 79 Colombian policemen. Photo: Presidencia

Colombia’s Petro declares “State of Siege” over Catatumbo violence

By The City Paper Staff - January 20, 2025

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of siege amid escalating violence in Catatumbo, Norte de Santander, displacing 11,000 people. Petro accuses the ELN of becoming a drug cartel, vowing tough military action against the guerrilla.

Humanitarian crisis erupts in Colombia’s Catatumbo amid ELN violence

By The City Paper Staff - January 20, 2025

Over 11,000 people have fled Colombia’s Catatumbo region amid escalating violence between ELN and FARC dissidents. The death toll has reached 100. As the Armed Forces deploy additional troops, President Petro may declare a state of internal disturbance.

ELN and FARC dissidents fight for control of Colombia’s Catatumbo

By The City Paper Staff - January 18, 2025

Clashes between Colombia’s ELN guerrilla and FARC dissidents in the mountainous Catatumbo region have killed 30, injured 20, and displaced 100 families. President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks, citing war crimes, as violence disrupts vulnerable communities, commerce, and education.

Petro on Arauca Bombing: “ELN practically closes peace process with blood”

By Richard Emblin - September 18, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla for a violent attack that killed two soldiers and injured 27 others in Arauca, signaling a potential end to ongoing peace talks.

ELN attack on Colombian military base in Arauca kills two soldiers, injures 27

By The City Paper Staff - September 17, 2024

Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group carried out an attack on a military base near Puerto Jordán in the department of Arauca early Tuesday, injuring at least 17 soldiers, the Army has confirmed. The attack involved the use of explosive devices launched from a dump truck.

Gulf Clan ready to “take control” of Quibdó in Colombia’s Chocó

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

In a dire announcement from Colombia’s High Peace Commissioner Otty Patiño, the Gulf Clan is ready to “take control” of the departmental capital of Chocó, Quibdó.

Global uncertainty is affecting the emerging markets.

Foreign Direct Investment in Colombia plunges 28% in the first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

Colombia’s foreign direct investment fell by 28% to USD 6.7 billion in the first half of 2024. The decline reflects growing economic and security challenges, including recent attacks on energy infrastructure. The data was released by the Central Bank.

Colombian Army confirms ELN behind oil pipeline attack in Arauca

By Richard Emblin - August 27, 2024

The Colombian Army confirmed that the ELN guerrilla perpetrated a major attack against the Caño Limon-Coveñas oil pipeline in Arauca, raising fears of escalating violence in the department and large urban centers, including Bogotá.

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.

Ex-UNGRD chief claims Petro Government asked to funnel contracts to ELN

By The City Paper Staff - July 17, 2024

Former UNGRD chief Olmedo López claims Colombian officials pressured him to award contracts to the ELN guerrilla group to maintain peace talks, sparking a major corruption scandal. The Supreme Court has opened an investigation into the allegations, which implicate high-ranking members of the Petro government.

Colombia’s ELN has recruited over 100 child combatants in 2024

By The City Paper Staff - July 8, 2024

Colombia’s ELN guerrilla has recruited over 100 child soldiers in 2024, violating human rights and international law. Recent rescues reveal the ongoing crisis amid peace talks.

UN report warns governance in Colombia at risk from armed groups

By The City Paper Staff - February 29, 2024

Colombia grapples with a disturbing surge in human rights abuses as latest UN report reveals 98 massacres in 2023 and 6.5% increase over previous year. Surge in violence poses dire threats to communities and vulnerable populations.