Stories from Colombia

Colombian authorities arrested an individual known as Alias Chicharrón, a suspected leader of the Clan del Golfo criminal organization, in Montería. The operative, conducted by the Sinú military battalion and local police, targets a man allegedly responsible for coordinating multiple homicides in the region. This arrest represents a significant blow to the group's local command structure.

Bogotá will host the World Congress of Constitutional Law from July 6-10. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people participated in a march regarding the 1991 Constitution in Colombia. The event focused on proposals for a Constituent Assembly. The march concluded after traversing various zones of the country. The proposal requires a specific number of signatures to proceed through mechanisms like a referendum, legislative act, or open town hall. The process must follow tools and mechanisms designed by the Colombian constitution. A proposal has been filed with the National Registry to hold a referendum preventing the calling of a constituent assembly for at least the next two presidential terms. Mauricio Pava, a former lawyer for President Gustavo Petro, is leading the initiative. The group is currently collecting signatures to support the referendum.

Police in the Engativá locality of Bogotá intercepted four individuals involved in a violent robbery of a vehicle containing elderly passengers. The suspects were apprehended using two vehicles, one of which was a taxi and the other a previously stolen vehicle.

Politician Paloma Valencia has launched a campaign for the presidency of Colombia, promising a shift from 'total peace' to 'total security'. The decision involves balancing these two distinct political demographics. The proposal comes amid complex public order situations in southwest Colombia, specifically in Valle and Cauca. The suggestion reportedly met with disapproval from the vice-presidential candidate's team. Vice-presidential candidate Juan Daniel Oviedo expressed concerns to the media, stating the suggestion sends a poor message. Valencia addressed these concerns during a recent campaign event. Political commentator Paloma Valencia is identified as a candidate with high potential to defeat incumbent President Gustavo Cepeda in upcoming elections. Analysts suggest she is a more viable option for defeating Cepeda based on unanimous polling data.

A new film set within the 'Maya City' universe is planned to be shot in Colombia. The production is a collaboration with Carlos López Estrada, an Oscar-nominated director known for Disney's 'Raya and the Last Dragon'.

Emergency responders deployed 28 firefighters and five specialized units to control a fire in Bogota. The operation included support from municipal services and the local water utility provider. No casualties or specific damage totals were reported in the initial response.

Colombian author Ligia has launched her new novel at the Filbo book fair in Bogota, expressing excitement about the event and the large number of readers present. The novel's plot is set in the late 1800s and was inspired by a comment from her grandmother.

The Pamplonitas, Zulia, and Peralonso rivers have breached their banks in the Santander region.

Authorities in Bucaramanga, Colombia, have announced temporary mobility restrictions on Carrera 27 through the weekend to ensure athlete safety during cycling competitions. The main thoroughfare near Puerta del Sol is affected, forcing traffic to use Diagonal 15, which is currently experiencing heavy congestion. Competitions are scheduled to continue starting at 6:30 AM.

Four police officers in Colombia have been sent to jail for allegedly threatening to bury a prisoner alive to extract information about weapons and money. The incident occurred in a rural area of Antioquia. This action is part of a broader response to a wave of terrorism in the region, with security council meetings being held.