Latest News

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.

Colombia’s Petro presents his doomsday scenario at UN General Assembly

By Richard Emblin - September 24, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, addressing the UN General Assembly, warned of global extinction fueled by war and environmental destruction. While calling for a “global revolution,” his speech was criticized for neglecting Colombia’s domestic issues, including his faltering “total peace” agenda and escalating violence in vulnerable communities.

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.