Latest News

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.

ELN end kidnappings for economic gain with extended ceasefire

By The City Paper Staff - February 7, 2024

The Maoist National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla has announced a temporary suspension of economic kidnappings as part of an extended six-month bilateral ceasefire, marking a significant step toward President Petro’s “total peace” policy.

Manuel Díaz and his son, Luis Díaz of FC Liverpool. Photo: FILE

Colombia: ELN frees Manuel Díaz father of FC Liverpool’s Luis Díaz

By Richard Emblin - November 9, 2023

Manuel Díaz, the 56-year-old father of FC Liverpool forward Luis Díaz, has been freed by Colombia’s ELN guerrilla, twelve days after he was taken by the Maoist guerrilla near his home in Barrancas, La Guajira department.

Colombia’s ELN confirms kidnapping of FC Liverpool Luis Diaz’s father

By The City Paper Staff - November 2, 2023

The Maoist guerrilla ELN confirmed Thursday that the illegal armed group has the father of FC Liverpool striker Luis Diaz hostage since his abduction five days ago.

Colombia breaks records in coca crop and cocaine production

By The City Paper Staff - September 12, 2023

Colombia has reached unprecedented figures in the cultivation of coca plants and cocaine production according to the annual report published by the United Nations.

Colombia’s FARC dissidents kidnap 10 child combatants of ELN

By The City Paper Staff - September 6, 2023

Child recruitment by FARC dissidents and ELN escalates in Colombia, violating international law and raising concerns over President Petro’s “total peace” agenda.

“Violeta” could have taken our lives, now she’s a peace facilitator for ELN

By Richard Emblin - August 29, 2023

At age 24 Violeta Arango was accused of masterminding the 2017 bombing of the Andino shopping mall in Bogotá. The bomb claimed the lives of three woman. The suspect was named a “peace manager” by President Petro.