Stories from Colombia

President Gustavo Petro has called for an investigation into whether explosives used in an attack on the Vía Panamericana originated from Ecuador. The investigation seeks to determine the source of the materials used. Colombian Armed Forces leaders are investigating whether explosives used in a Saturday attack on the Pan-American highway near Cajibío, in the Cauca department, originated from Ecuador. The investigation follows the incident on the highway. The incident occurred in the Huila department.

Colombian urban genre singer Ryan Castro announced his first concert at the El Campín stadium in Bogotá for October 31. The announcement follows his April 25 concert at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín, which drew 47,000 spectators over five hours. He was accompanied by seventeen performers during the Medellín event. Urban music artist Ryan Castro announced a concert in Bogotá scheduled for October 31. Castro was recently a special guest at a Karol G performance in Coachella.

Authorities captured four members of the Los Chanda criminal group in Cali, Tuluá, and Rizeralda. The suspects are allegedly responsible for several homicides of public transport drivers in the municipalities of Guacarí, Ginebra, and Caicedonia. These killings occurred during 2024 and 2025, according to investigators. The operation was conducted by local authorities in the Valle del Cauca region and Pereira. Police in Cali arrested four individuals for their involvement in driver homicides occurring in Ginebra and Caicedonia during 2024 and 2025. The suspects allegedly used toy weapons and impersonated criminal structures to intimidate victims and extort 3 million pesos. One suspect, known as Alias Guaveño, has a criminal record including weapons trafficking and domestic violence. A judge ordered the group to prison, citing them as a danger to society.

Peace Commissioner Oti Patiño stated from Portugal that recent attacks in Cauca demonstrate the bad faith of armed groups. He affirmed that the Petro government remains open to peace negotiations. The comments follow recent violence in the region. Patiño confirmed that the government of President Gustavo Petro remains open to peace negotiations despite the violence. The United States Embassy in Bogota expressed support for Colombia and lamented the attacks.

Workers at Goodyear have failed to reach an agreement regarding their collective contract. The workers have proposed that the contract be signed under current existing conditions. There are 373 direct employees at the company, according to the report. The source stated that expectations of the workers have not been met. Negotiations between Goodyear and its workforce have failed to reach an agreement. The workers are requesting that the collective bargaining agreement maintains the same conditions currently in place.

The Gutier company union, Sindicato de la Compañía Gutier, denied reports of a plan by the multinational corporation to cease operations in Colombia. Union president Carlos Ramírez made the statement amid an ongoing strike at the Jumbo plant in the Valle del Cauca department. The strike has now lasted more than 40 days.

The Cintra Incapla union in Colombia stated that Goodyear is unaware of any plan to close its production plant in the country. Union president Carlos Ramírez made the statement amid a strike that has lasted over 40 days at the Jumbo plant in the Valle del Cauca department. The union's position comes as workers continue to protest.

The Attorney General's investigative body is conducting a large-scale operation targeting more than 300 Lily Pink clothing stores. The investigation concerns alleged money laundering and contraband. Judicial sources stated that 62 commercial premises have been seized for asset forfeiture and 9 raids have been carried out. The operation follows allegations of money laundering and contraband involving the brand. Colombian authorities have carried out asset forfeiture proceedings involving 62 commercial locations. The operation involves nine raids and the arrest of one person. The operation is active in cities including Bogota. The SAE will receive commercial locations of the clothing brand Lili Pink across Colombia to advance a judicial process. Senator Paloma Valencia stated that the Petro government informed her of the plan.

President Gustavo Petro announced that Colombia has achieved a single-digit infant mortality rate for the first time. The statement was part of a broader presentation on national health indicators.

Startups in Bogota raised $704 million through 65 investment rounds during 2025. This funding represented 82% of the total capital raised in Colombia. The city also accounted for 71% of the investment rounds conducted by Investir Bogota. Juliana de los Rios stated that these results confirm the capital is a dynamic ecosystem in Latin America. Investment in Bogota startups grew by 24 percent compared to 2024, signaling market recovery and increased investor confidence. The United States remains the primary source of capital, participating in 55 percent of investment rounds. Experts noted that increased presence from Europe and other international markets reflects growing investor diversification in the city.