Latest News

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.

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.

New FM Laura Sarabia must reset Colombia’s image with Washington

By Richard Emblin - January 30, 2025

Colombia’s new Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, faces the challenge of mending strained U.S. relations after diplomatic tensions escalated over deportations and social media clashes. Amid economic and security concerns, Sarabia must restore trust and protect Colombia’s global reputation.

As Deportation Flights continue, Colombians face visa suspensions amid dispute

By The City Paper Staff - January 29, 2025

Colombia received its third deportation flight from the U.S. amid a diplomatic standoff between Petro and Trump. With the suspension of travel visas, Petro’s late-night social media postings have fueled concern over his erratic leadership style.

Colombia’s Liberal Party declares independence from Petro’s Government

By The City Paper Staff - January 29, 2025

Former President César Gaviria and leader of the Liberal Party announced the break, citing institutional decline and recent governance debacle, including migrant crisis with President Trump.

Petro triggers political crisis with U.S. before temporary resolution

By The City Paper Staff - January 27, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked a diplomatic crisis with the U.S. by rejecting deportee flights, prompting retaliatory tariffs and visa sanctions from President Trump. Petro ultimately relented, agreeing to U.S. demands to resume deportations under strict American conditions.

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.

Qatar Airways expands network with new flights to Bogotá and Caracas

By The City Paper Staff - January 22, 2025

Qatar Airways will launch two weekly flights connecting Doha to Bogotá and Caracas in summer 2025, becoming the first airline with non-stop Middle East-Colombia service. This expansion aims to enhance global connectivity and promotes trade and tourism.

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.

Trump snubs Colombia’s Petro for presidential inauguration

By The City Paper Staff - January 16, 2025

Trump’s inauguration is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees to Washington, D.C., with international delegations, ministers, and diplomats eager to forge ties with the new administration. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro not on the guest list.

Wildfire erupts in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park, arson suspected

By The City Paper Staff - January 15, 2025

A wildfire in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park is threatening a high-altitude wetland that supplies Bogotá with water amid ongoing rationing. Suspected arson, hot weather, and strong winds complicate containment efforts by emergency crews, the military and local authorities.

Chingaza water levels could drastically decline by March, reveals study

By The City Paper Staff - January 14, 2025

Bogotá’s Chingaza reservoirs could drop to 20% capacity by March, warns the Ombudsman’s Office. With the dry season intensifying, water rationing may tighten despite Aqueduct Company assurances that current levels are normal for this time of year.