Latest News

Colombia’s Justice Minister sounds alarm over child suicides linked to forced recruitment

By The City Paper Staff - February 17, 2025

Colombia’s Justice Minister Ángela María Buitrago warned of rising child suicides linked to forced recruitment by armed groups. Cases surged over 1,000% in four years, particularly in rural areas like Chocó, highlighting the government’s struggle to protect vulnerable youth.

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.

In Colombia’s Chocó, ELN landmines trap communities in fear

By Richard Emblin - February 12, 2025

Landmines planted by the ELN guerrilla across Colombia’s Chocó have trapped communities in fear, preventing farming and medical evacuations. Governor Nubia Córdova urges government action as violence displaces thousands. Troop deployments fall short, highlighting the need for demining and social investment.

Defence Minister resigns as ELN violence engulfs Colombia’s Chocó

By The City Paper Staff - February 11, 2025

Colombia faces escalating violence as ELN guerrillas and the Clan del Golfo battle for control in Chocó, displacing thousands and confining over 50,000 residents. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez resigns amid worsening security, leaving vulnerable communities at the mercy of illegal armed groups.

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.