Stories from Colombia

An attack occurred inside a commercial establishment in the Fuentesal neighborhood of Bague at 10:23 PM. The incident resulted in one young man dead and four others injured. Local police stated they are continuing operations to combat drug trafficking and strengthen security in the coffee-growing region. The attack is described as impacting the finances of criminal structures.

Authorities report that more than 10 young people have been forcibly recruited by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) in recent days. The recruitment is occurring in the Catatumbo region. Local reports express concern over these attacks and the lack of information regarding the victims. Police intelligence in Pereira is also investigating potential links to the Cordillera criminal organization. The Metropolitan Police of Pereira issued a warning regarding potential links to the Cordillera criminal organization. Local groups are calling for the release of individuals held by armed actors.

The National Printing Office of Colombia has rejected allegations that a French company under investigation for corruption is manufacturing the majority of the country's new passports. This response follows recent controversy surrounding the production process of national identity documents. The Colombian National Printing Office has issued a denial regarding allegations of corruption within its passport issuance processes. Officials stated that a preventive visit by oversight bodies does not constitute proof of definitive irregularities or a judicial debate. The entity stated it has complied with all requirements from control organs within the constitutional framework of harmonic collaboration. The office said that preliminary findings should not be presented as conclusive evidence of misconduct.

The Coordinadora Nacional Ejército Bolivariano has ratified its responsibility for the deaths of three National Army soldiers in Pital in Nariño on April 19. The group stated it does not plan to execute further offensive actions. They confirmed commitment to humanitarian demining processes through georeferencing suspected mine zones. The eighth cycle of dialogues is scheduled for the first week of June.

The eighth cycle of peace dialogue sessions is confirmed to take place during the first week of June. Delegations are currently working on georeferencing areas suspected of containing mines and other explosive artifacts to strengthen humanitarian demining processes. This follows an incident on April 19 in Pital in the Nariño department where three National Army soldiers were killed. The National Bolivarian Army Coordinator delegation has ratified responsibility for those deaths and reiterated a commitment to avoid planning offensive actions. The Coordinadora Nacional Ejército Bolivariano has ratified responsibility for those events and committed to avoiding offensive actions. Commitments include accelerating the georeferencing of suspected mine zones to improve humanitarian demining.

Authorities in Toro, North Valle del Cauca, have announced emergency security measures following a massacre that killed four people on the weekend of April 26. Measures include increased police presence, curfews, and the closure of public establishments on Sunday, April 26. A reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators. Local government and security councils held an extraordinary meeting to address the incident.

Cargo transporters in the Nariño department have called for a cessation of activities following violent incidents on the Pan-American highway. The Colombian Truckers Association is urging drivers in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Putumayo, and Huila to join the strike. The call follows reported terrorist intentions and violent acts against the Colombian president. The situation on the highway is currently being monitored to deter further criminal activity. Authorities had previously warned of potential unrest, but no actions were taken to prevent the escalation. The strike aims to draw attention to the security situation affecting transport routes. Cargo drivers in Colombia are planning a mobilization in Pasto scheduled for tomorrow. The group is protesting a lack of government guarantees regarding safety in the departments of Cauca, Nariño, Putumayo, Huila, and Caquetá.

Presumed subversives were caught attempting to install explosives on an international road in a rural area of the Patía municipality. The incident led to combat between the groups and military forces. Military aircraft provided support to deter the terrorist intentions of the criminals. The situation was subsequently controlled by security forces.

Colombian singer Ryan Castro's track 'Cendé' has become the most successful Spanish-language song internationally in the first quarter of 2026. The dancehall track is described as a connection to Caribbean culture. The song reached global chart positions by the fourth week of April 2026.

The Colombian military high command reported that five soldiers have been injured by explosive devices in northern Antioquia this year. Three of these injuries occurred in early April and the soldiers remain hospitalized due to the severity of their wounds. Military operations in the region have slowed because of the high density of explosive artifacts encountered by troops. Civil populations in the area are being advised to exercise increased caution during ongoing military maneuvers.