Latest News

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.

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.