Bogotá has mobilized 1,500 police officers to enhance safety during the Christmas season. Focused on nightlife, commerce, and tourism areas, the initiative includes advanced technology and strengthened patrols.
Colombian officials have challenged a UN claim that 20,000 unidentified bodies are stored in a hangar at Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport as baseless. A thorough investigation found no evidence supporting this dangerous allegation. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán has demanded proof, warning the unverified claim could undermine trust in the Colombian capital.
Bogotá has launched the first-ever International Violin Contest: City of Bogotá, marking a significant cultural milestone for Latin America. The competition, open to violinists aged 18-30, offers prizes totaling US$70,000 and aims to elevate the Colombian capital’s reputation on the global stage.
Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo unveils its 2025 program, featuring 15 stellar performances to celebrate 15 years of cultural excellence. Highlights include The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Ballet of Teatro San Martín de Buenos Aires, and operas such as Nabucco and The Fairy Queen.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to impose visa requirements on British citizens in response to the United Kingdom’s decision to reinstate travel visas for Colombians starting December 24, 2024.
The United Kingdom will reintroduce visa requirements for Colombian nationals starting December 24, 2024, citing an increase in fraudulent asylum applications. Colombian Ambassador Roy Barreras confirmed the decision, stating it was prompted by a minority abusing the visa-free travel introduced in 2022.
Hundreds of Colombian veterans are leaving their country to fight in foreign wars, driven by economic hardship and promises of lucrative contracts. These soldiers, many with extensive combat experience from Colombia’s internal conflict, have become sought-after mercenaries in global hotspots such as Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced strong support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Petro labeled Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac” and warned U.S. President Joe Biden against ignoring the ruling, claiming it would lead to “barbarism.”
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán and Police Chief José Gualdrón launched a major operation to recover Bogotá’s city center from criminal organizations.
Medellín mayor Federico Gutiérrez wants to clamp down on narco-tours of the city’s Comuna 13 and the sale of merchandise that references the druglord of the infamous drugs cartel.
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo has reported that over 300 nationals have been killed while fighting as mercenaries on Ukraine’s side in the war against Russia, now in its 1,000th day.
Colombia has passed a landmark law banning child marriage, making it illegal for anyone under 18 to wed, even with parental consent. The new legislation closes a 137-year-old legal loophole and aligns Colombia with other Latin American countries committed to protecting children’s rights.
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.
As the incoming U.S. Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio has been openly critical of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s foreign and domestic policies.
President Petro has declared a state of emergency across Colombia following relentless rainfall in the Pacific and Andean regions. Widespread flooding and landslides have displacement more than 90,000 people.
Bogotá braces for more powerful storms after severe flooding on November 6. The storm caused major traffic disruptions, school closures, and overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems.