Latest News

As Fighting Engulfs Briceño, Colombia, Schools Forced to Close

By The City Paper Staff - January 26, 2026

The school year had barely begun when gunfire forced children in rural northern Colombia to cower under their desks in fear and silence. On the same day students were returning to classrooms after the Christmas and New Year holidays, fighting between illegal armed groups erupted near Briceño, in the northeast of Antioquia. By nightfall, schools […]

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, […]

Child Recruitment in Colombia Surges 300 Percent Warns UNICEF

By The City Paper Staff - November 21, 2025

Every 20 hours, somewhere in Colombia, a child vanishes into the ranks of an illegal armed group. That is the grim calculation released this week by UNICEF and the United Nations, which warn that the forced recruitment of minors has surged to levels not seen in decades, undermining Colombia’s efforts to contain its internal conflict. […]

Kidnapped Soldiers in Colombia’s Guaviare Running Low on Food and Water

By The City Paper Staff - August 28, 2025

Thirty-four Colombian soldiers have been held hostage for over four days in Guaviare after clashes with FARC dissidents. Surrounded by civilians, they face dwindling food and water supplies as government and international mediators work to secure their release.

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.

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

Bombings in Colombia’s southwest kill Eight, leave 75 injured

By The City Paper Staff - June 11, 2025

Tuesday’s attacks across southwest Colombia by FARC dissidents in have killed eight persons and injured 75. Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces mounting pressure amid rising violence and a constitutional crisis over his proposed referendum rejected in May by Congress.

With Miguel Uribe in Critical Condition, FARC Dissidents Attack Southwest Colombia

By Richard Emblin - June 10, 2025

FARC dissidents have launched coordinated attacks across southwest Colombia, killing at least four and injuring dozens in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Cali. Explosions targeted police stations and infrastructure, while a sniper killed an officer. The violence follows the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition.

Petro halts extradition of Dissident Commander “HH” wanted in U.S. for drug trafficking

By The City Paper Staff - May 23, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended the U.S. extradition of dissident commander Gabriel Yepes Mejía, sparking tensions with Washington. The move, tied to peace talks, risks sanctions as Colombia deepens ties with China and distances itself from traditional U.S. alliances.

Since FARC Accord, some 1,494 minors recruited by Colombia’s armed groups

By The City Paper Staff - May 9, 2025

Illegal armed groups operating in Colombia are increasingly turning to social media platforms to forcibly recruit children and adolescents into their ranks, according to a harrowing new report by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP).At least 1,494 children and adolescents have been forcibly recruited since the 2016 peace accord.

Petro claims ‘Dubai is the new Miami for narcos’ amid Gulf Clan attacks

By The City Paper Staff - May 6, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended his security policy amid a surge in violence that has left 27 officers dead. Downplaying fears of collapse, Petro blamed international drug networks and claimed “Dubai is the new Miami for narcos.” Critics warn his “total peace” strategy is faltering as attacks against the police escalate.

Cauca under fire. FARC dissidents launch wave of terror attacks

By The City Paper Staff - March 27, 2025

FARC dissidents launched coordinated attacks across ten municipalities in the department of Cauca, Colombia, killing one soldier and injuring over 80 people. Explosives strapped to motorbikes, drone strikes, and armed assaults have prompted heightened security in the southwest of the country.

ELN commanders claim Petro’s Total Peace is becoming “Total War”

By Richard Emblin - March 10, 2025

ELN commanders in Colombia claim President Petro’s “Total Peace” policy is escalating the conflict in Catatumbo, accusing the government of shifting to military action rather than peace talks. The violence has displaced tens of thousands, with no resolution in sight.

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.