Stories from Colombia

Drivers, not farmers, are facing consequences due to issues with national transport. This decision can only be made by the national government, not by local mayors. He noted that a bomb exploded in Tunja, an event not seen since the war of independence. The minister said the need to prioritize these actions to prevent further expansion to other areas. Militants are using bombings in Colombia not for political aims, but to distract from illegal activities like cocaine sales and illegally mined gold. These groups have been placing bombs since at least April of last year, with recent incidents occurring in December. The government plans to study coca eradication. This is in response to a multimillion-dollar business that is causing concern. This comes amidst ongoing unrest and bombings in Colombian towns.

An explosion created a crater over five meters deep. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Bogota. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and the circumstances surrounding the event. An explosion occurred on a road, causing injuries to individuals. One person reported neck pain and potential spinal injury from the impact. The incident involved two suspicious vehicles that turned before the blast, accompanied by gunfire. The event was initially perceived as harassment but escalated into a explosion. Further details regarding the cause or specific number of injured were not immediately available. Emergency services are responding to the incident. An explosion occurred on the Pan-American Highway, causing blockades and security concerns. Illegal groups are reportedly involved in disrupting security in the area. Military presence is noted along the route.

A clash involving drug enforcement operations in Peru has resulted in five fatalities.

A discounted tariff has been announced for strata 1 to 3 customers. The full tariff rate is 114,900 pesos starting from the fourth month. Conditions apply to this offer.

The Colombian nation has authorized and completed the sale of its 32.5% stake in Movistar Colombia. This transaction completes Millicom's total control of Movistar within Colombia. This move follows the initial purchase of a majority stake in Movistar Colombia through a public tender offer on the stock exchange. The consolidation is intended to allow the company to compete with greater scale and efficiency in the sector. The government of Gustavo Petro sold its 32.5% stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones to Milcom International Celular S.A. The sale included 118 million shares held by the Ministry of Finance. Each share was sold at a price of 772 pesos, totaling 856 billion pesos for the transaction. The sale follows the liquidation of the former state-owned telecom entity. The sale of the stake allows Milicom to consolidate its dominance in the Colombian market.

Former President Alvaro Uribe is in a dispute with President Gustavo Petro regarding an alleged alliance with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa. The alleged alliance aims to promote a tariff war between Colombia and Ecuador. Petro posted a photograph of Uribe and Noboa, suggesting they had recently met to lobby against Colombia. Uribe denies the claims. This is the latest development in the ongoing political dispute. President Gustavo Petro stated that anonymous accusations against a governor regarding crimes against Miguel Uribe are part of a plan by former President Álvaro Uribe and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. The claims involve an anonymous tip sent to Álvaro Uribe. Petro claimed the accusations are part of a strategy to win with fewer resources. The source did not specify which governor was named in the anonymous communication.

President Petro has warned that if the central bank continues to raise interest rates, he will implement a new increase in the minimum wage. This issue was a major topic of discussion on Caracol Radio. A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, with the presence of the Minister of Labor.

The Minister of Justice in Colombia stated that corruption has increased, involving more money and complex money laundering networks. He believes current ethics codes for oversight bodies are insufficient to stop 'forensic entrepreneurs.' These individuals are described as professionals who prioritize illicit material abundance over knowledge. The discussion gained momentum following suspicions of STF ministers' involvement in the Banco Master scandal. Dino affirmed that while most professionals are honest, corrupt cases are on the rise. Authorities are investigating a clothing and underwear brand for alleged money laundering. The prosecution's file indicates potential laundering exceeding 730 billion Colombian pesos. Additionally, the investigation includes allegations of illicit enrichment totaling more than 430 billion pesos.

A truck carrying chickens crashed in southwestern Colombia, resulting in 20 fatalities and 30 injuries. The witness managed to escape the immediate vicinity with a companion. The incident is described as a grave offense against human dignity and part of a terrorist escalation. The victim's body was reportedly dismembered at the scene. His daughter described him as a kind, humble, and hardworking person who worked every Saturday on his chiva. In the sector of Guatemala, a cylinder was placed but not detonated and was controlled by the army. Later, army troops located and neutralized an explosive cylinder with a launch ramp, preventing a possible attack. At midday, a cylinder bomb explosion on a bus left 20 people dead and approximately 36 injured. The affected regions, particularly the southwest, were experiencing widespread terrorism.

A terrorist group attempted to detonate another explosive device in the Tranquillo sector.