Latest News

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.

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.

FARC dissidents of “Iván Mordisco” announce ceasefire in Cali for COP16 Summit

By The City Paper Staff - October 10, 2024

The FARC dissidents under alias “Iván Mordisco” have declared a temporary ceasefire in Cali ahead of the COP16 biodiversity summit. The ceasefire, announced on social media, will take effect from October 11 to November 6, though the group has reserved its right to self-defense.

Betancourt responds to “Gafas” joining FARC dissidents: “Man of Infinite Darkness”

By Richard Emblin - October 8, 2024

Former FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt reacted strongly to Alexánder Farfán Suárez, alias “Gafas,” rejoining dissident factions, calling him “a man of infinite darkness.” Betancourt criticized his appointment as a peace facilitator by President Petro, stating that it was evident to former captives that the move was a “farce.”

United Nations expresses deep concern over escalating violence in Colombia

By The City Paper Staff - June 17, 2024

An attack by FARC dissidents against the father of Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and escalating violence in the department of Cauca promoted the United Nations to issue a strong condemnation.

Colombian schoolchildren’s desperate prayers amid FARC attacks in Cauca

By Richard Emblin - May 29, 2024

Terrified children in Suárez, Cauca, cower under desks as FARC dissidents clash with the Colombian Army, revealing the harsh realities of ongoing violence in the southwest of the country. The plight of Cauca has been overshadowed by President Petro’s obsessive social media posts on Gaza.