Latest News

Colombia opens peace talks with paramilitary Self-Defense Forces of Sierra Nevada

By Richard Emblin - February 24, 2025

The Colombian government of President Petro has launched peace talks with the Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), aiming to dismantle the group’s criminal activities in the world’s highest coastal mountain range and reintegrate its members, amid escalating violence and territorial disputes with armed groups.

ELN attacks in Cúcuta reveal armed control over Colombian border city

By The City Paper Staff - February 21, 2025

Cúcuta grapples with a deep security crisis after ELN attacks injure seven. The government deploys thousands of police and soldiers, offering rewards for information on those responsible for the escalating violence in the Colombian border city.

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.

Is Maduro establishing a stronghold in Colombia’s Catatumbo using ELN as a proxy?

By Richard Emblin - January 22, 2025

The humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo deepens as violence between the ELN and FARC dissidents forces 32,000 to flee. Critics of the dictatorship believe Maduro’s regime is leveraging the ELN to establish dominance over Colombia’s border region, exploiting its strategic drug-trafficking routes. With Venezuelan troops stationed nearby and accusations of direct support for armed groups, concerns grow over Maduro’s ambitions to extend his influence into Colombian territory.

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.

Human remains discovered at Medellín’s La Escombrera, believed to be Colombia’s largest mass grave

By The City Paper Staff - December 19, 2024

Colombia’s JEP and missing persons entity UBPD have uncovered human remains at La Escombrera, Medellín’s largest municipal dump, and remains linked to over 500 forced disappearances during the internal conflict.

Colombia’s JEP indicts ex-FARC commanders on War Crimes and Child Recruitment

By The City Paper Staff - November 13, 2024

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has indicted six former FARC commanders on war crimes charges, including child recruitment and severe abuses committed against minors during the internal conflict.

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.”

Petro and Mancuso’s hat exchange precedes a deadly weekend in Colombia

By Richard Emblin - October 7, 2024

After President Petro and former AUC commander Salvatore Mancuso exchanged hats in a bizarre ceremony for the victims of forced displacement, Colombia witnessed a violent weekend, with over 14 people killed in four separate massacres.