Stories from Colombia

The United States government has designated Popayán and Cali as unsafe zones for travelers in Colombia. The advisory specifically mentions restrictions for certain US government officials regarding access to these areas. The advisory follows previous warnings regarding regional security. The news was reported by W Radio Colombia.

The Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría) has dismissed officials from the National Protection Unit in the Santander department. The decision follows an investigation into Alexander González and Miguel Ángel Castellano. The officials were found to have harassed their supervisor, according to the report.

Approximately 140 emergency responders are attending to a major fire in the industrial sector of Itagüí. Firefighters from Itagüí, Medellín, La Estrella, Caldas, Envigados, Sabaneta, and Bello are on the scene. The blaze was reported at the H.A.B. company. The scale of the response indicates a emergency in the southern Valle de Aburrá region. The incident is located in the southern part of the Aburrá Valley.

The company AmaWaterways announced plans to bring two Caribbean cruises, the Ama Magdalena and the Ama Melodia, to the municipality of Magangué in the Bolívar department. The cruises will make stops in Gambotes to facilitate travel to the city. Authorities stated that search requirements related to the region are a priority and extend outside the country. The investment is being highlighted by the governor of the Bolívar department. The move aims to bring these two specific cruises to the municipality. This development follows investment in the Bolívar department, including 3.7 trillion pesos in execution. Governor Jamilito Arana oversees the investment program known as Compi.

A court in Barranquilla ratified the restitution of rights for the rector of the University of Caribe. The new rector visited the administrative headquarters following the judicial order. She stated she intends to comply with the court order and work to recover the institution. Unions, students, and professors gathered at the main park to witness the inauguration. The rector has taken possession of the rectorate following the judicial decision.

The Tribunal of Cundinamarca ordered the Peace Counsel to submit work plans and commitment documents for peace mediators. These mediators are former members of the self-defense groups. The order follows issues regarding their participation in the peace process. Prosecutor Lucie Marcela Laverde requested a judge to consider Petro Burgos for disobeying court orders. The request follows his failure to appear in person for several hearings regarding a corruption case. The case involves allegations of money laundering and illicit enrichment during his tenure as a deputy. Colombian prosecutors are requesting the arrest of Nicolas Petro for disobeying court orders. He is reportedly traveling in Santa Marta and Cartagena while failing to attend scheduled judicial hearings.

Angie Rodríguez met with the president following a scandal involving her statements against the government. Despite the gravity of her comments, the president did not request her resignation and reportedly provided her with support. The meeting occurred early in the day, according to the report. The Tribunal de Cundinamarca ordered the Peace Counsel to submit work plans and commitment details for peace mediators who were former members of self-defense groups. A minister has dismissed a potential assassination attempt against Angie Rodríguez. The source confirmed there is effectively a show of support for Angie Rodríguez's continued role. The Colombian prosecutor's office has requested the arrest of Nicolás Petro's son, who has since issued a statement holding the prosecutor responsible for his family's safety.

Water service will be suspended in several localities of Bogotá within the next 36 hours. According to the local aqueduct, the suspension is necessary to install an anti-seismic valve in the Santa Ana tank in Usaquén. The outage is expected to last until the following morning. Water services will be suspended in several Bogotá neighborhoods starting Friday due to infrastructure work by the Bogotá Water and Sewerage Company. Workers will install a large anti-seismic valve at the Santa Ana tank in Usaquén to prevent damage during seismic movements. The company stated the installation is a preventative measure for water conduction safety. Supply is expected to be restored during the early morning or morning of Friday, May 1. Residents are advised to check the aqueduct's website for affected neighborhoods.

A member of India's Ambani family is offering to assist in saving 80 Colombian hippos. The animals are descendants of hippos introduced to Colombia by the late drug lord Pablo Escobar. The hippos are currently threatened with death due to cold temperatures. Anand Ambani, a member of one of India's wealthiest families, is offering to save 80 hippos in Colombia. The hippos are currently at risk of being culled or sterilized. The report notes the hippos are living wild in the country. Since Escobar's death, the hippos have lived wild and bred, with the population now exceeding 200 animals. Local residents report the hippos consume local vegetation and have been accused of attacking fishermen. These hippos were originally brought to an estate by Pablo Escobar before he was killed in a shootout. They are reportedly consuming local vegetation and attacking fishermen.

Transport leaders in Caldas are requesting security guarantees to move goods to Norte de Santander, Cauca, and Nariño. The leaders are considering joining strikes being called in several regions due to insecurity and border issues with Venezuela and Ecuador. This follows an incident where an ambulance was intercepted by armed men in the Nariño sector.