Latest News

Colombia Quake Toll Rises to 181 as Rescue Crews Search for Survivors Under Rubble

By The City Paper Staff - August 11, 2026

The death toll from Colombia’s powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rose to 181 on Tuesday, with over 1300 injured and estimated 200 missing as rescue crews continued searching collapsed buildings across the country’s western and central regions. Authorities warned that the death toll is likely to rise as emergency teams work through the rubble of damaged and […]

Passengers are rescued from a municipal bus in Cauca, Colombia, during Saturday's terrorist attack on the Pan-American highway. Photo: X

U.S. Issues Strong “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Southwestern Colombia

By Richard Emblin - April 29, 2026

The United States has updated a “do not travel” warning for large parts of southwestern Colombia after a wave of terrorist attacks have left over 20 people dead, underscoring growing international concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation and prompting regional authorities to demand stronger support from the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro. The […]

Carnage along the Pan-American highway after FARC dissidents detonated a bomb killing at least 20 civilians on Saturday. Photo: X

Colombia reels from worst terrorist attack in decades as Petro celebrates birthday

By The City Paper Staff - April 27, 2026

Colombians are expressing outrage and grief after a bombing attributed to dissident factions of the former FARC killed 20 people and left injured 46, marking the country’s deadliest attack in over a decade. The blast on Saturday afternoon tore through a stretch of the Pan-American Highway near Cajibío, in the southwestern department of Cauca, leaving […]

Petro Delivers Defiant Speech from Cali in Defense of His August 7 Referendum

By The City Paper Staff - June 12, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended a binding referendum to bypass Congress and push labor reforms, sparking controversy over democratic norms. Critics accuse him of undermining institutions and consolidating an autocratic government by executive decree.

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.

COP16 Biodiversity Summit opens in Cali with focus on “Peace with Nature”

By Richard Emblin - October 21, 2024

Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.

Colombian Army reclaims El Plateado from FARC Dissidents with Operation “Perseo”

By The City Paper Staff - October 15, 2024

The Colombian Army has regained control of El Plateado in the department of Cauca during a large-scale military operation. The offensive in the southwest of the country comes a week before the start of the COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Valle del Cauca.

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.