Stories from Colombia

Authorities discovered an illegal smelting operation in Cundinamarca using highly polluting artisanal combustion processes. The operation utilized materials including gas counters, street lighting hoods, pressure plates, and industrial or vehicular engine parts to produce aluminum ingots. The Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAR) had previously issued a preventive alert for this sector in early March due to high concentrations of pollutants. The regional environmental authority, CAR, had previously declared a preventive alert in early March due to particulate matter concentrations exceeding 50 micrograms per cubic meter. While wind and precipitation caused a sustained decrease in levels, the illegal activity continues to pose environmental risks.

The family of Colombian cyclist Cristian Camilo Muñoz is requesting government assistance to repatriate his body from Spain. Muñoz passed away in Spain during the previous week. His father, Luis Muñoz, has publicly appealed to the national government for collaboration to facilitate the return and burial of the athlete. The request comes as the family seeks to finalize arrangements following the death of the Boyacense cyclist. The family of cyclist Crisán Camilo is requesting the return of his body for a Christian burial. They expressed emotional distress regarding the situation. The request follows his death and involves coordination with team officials. Officials from the Nucolombias team confirmed the request has been initiated. The family is awaiting a timeline for the return of the remains. The process is described as complex by those involved.

Heavy rainfall in Santander has left approximately 600 families affected by landslides. Local rivers remain under red alert following the recent precipitation. The situation poses risks to local infrastructure and resident safety. Authorities are monitoring the water levels closely. Affected areas include Bolívar, Cimitarra, and Río Negro. The situation follows intense precipitation in the region over the last 28 minutes. The disaster has caused disruption to local residents. Authorities warn that rainfall will continue throughout the week and recommend that communities near rivers activate evacuation plans.

An evacuation protocol was activated on the night of April 23 in the municipality of Cachira, Norte de Santander. Hundreds of families face potential danger due to the risk of an avalanche. This follows recent violence and the preventive closure of the Pan-American highway due to the precarious state of the Rio Mayo bridge connecting Nariño and Cauca. Over 600 families face danger due to avalanche risks in Cachira, Norte de Santander. Approximately 250 families in the La Esplaya sector are currently unable to access the La Vega corregimiento by land. Landslides have complicated travel to the municipal seat. Local authorities report that residents lack even basic transportation like motorcycles to navigate the affected areas. Local authorities are managing the complications caused by the earth movements.

Magali Matiz stated that the current security crisis demonstrates the failure of Colombia's 'total peace' policy. She criticized the work of the National Intelligence Directorate during a meeting of the National Federation of Departments. The comments highlight deteriorating security conditions across the country. Matiz linked the security situation directly to the shortcomings of government peace initiatives.

Police in Cali, Colombia, inspected a suspicious black bag containing wires found near the Villa Nueva prison. The bag contained several cables according to the INPEC. Jenny Angarita from INPEC confirmed the explosive device was inspected and rendered safe. The incident triggered an immediate alert to local police. The discovery follows reports of suspicious activity in the area. Colombian authorities confirmed the discovery of an explosive device near a prison in Cali. The IMPEC agency reported that anti-explosive personnel used a canine to verify the presence of explosives in a package. Specialized units have taken over the procedures to manage the device. The incident is being investigated as a potential attack plan. National Police and specialized units cordoned off an area near a prison in Cali after discovering a package containing several cables.

Armed dissidents burned a vehicle in the Huila region of Colombia.

President Gustavo Petro stated during a 90-minute address that Colombia is not experiencing a security chaos, comparing recent violence to previous administrations. President Petro is considering the creation of a rescue center for 80 hippopotamuses. The proposed facility, named Bantara, would be located in western India. The center aims to provide a safe and humane solution for the animals. A statement from the refuge noted that the hippos did not choose their circumstances and are sensitive living beings. The president also issued an alert regarding potential electoral sabotage. No specific details on the quantity or location of the explosives were provided. The remarks were made during a broadcast regarding regional stability. No specific incidents or data were provided to support or refute the claim. The comment was made during a broadcast on Radio Monte Carlo Uruguay.

President Gustavo Petro confirmed the International Criminal Court admitted a complaint against alias Iván Mordisco. The ICC requested the complaint be extended to other armed leaders operating in the Cauca region. These leaders are identified as part of drug trafficking structures rather than former paramilitary groups. Petro stated that 258,145 explosives were recorded in Colombia by the end of 2025. He alleged that explosives reaching fronts in Cauca originate from Ecuador. Authorities have attributed a deadly roadside bomb attack on a bus to Ivan Mordisco, a fugitive leading a breakaway faction of the former FARC rebel group. Intelligence reports link Iván Mordisco to a two-decade criminal career involving attacks on police stations in Morales and Popayán. His group is also accused of using explosive-laden drones in Suárez.

Cargo transporters in Nariño are protesting to demand security guarantees and connectivity on departmental roads. The demonstrations follow recent violence in the Valle and Risaralda departments. Additionally, residents in Cauca mobilized to honor victims of a weekend attack on the Pan-American Highway. The demonstrations follow a wave of terrorist attacks in the country. The National Federation of Departments criticized President Gustavo Petro's government for its perceived indolence regarding these attacks. Victims of a recent bombing on the Pan-American Highway were also noted in the context of regional instability. Cargo transporters in Nariño, Colombia, held protests demanding urgent government action regarding regional insecurity. Drivers are seeking guarantees to ensure safe passage through the department.