Stories from Colombia

The Colombian Navy reported the seizure of four tons of narcotics during a multinational operation. Authorities also confiscated four go-fast boats and captured 12 individuals of various nationalities involved in transporting the illicit substances. The operation aimed to enhance naval capabilities and intelligence sharing to close maritime spaces for trafficking. This action is part of an effort to reinforce international cooperation and trust between regional navies in the fight against drug trafficking. The operation resulted in the seizure of four go-fast vessels and the capture of 12 people of different nationalities. Twelve individuals of various nationalities were captured during the operation. The mission involved cooperation between Colombia and the Netherlands to maintain maritime communication lines. The seizures were described as for freedom of navigation.

A court ratified the decision to keep Nicolas Fernando Petro Burgos free in the FUC case. The ruling confirmed a December 19, 2019, order from the 14th Municipal Criminal Court with guarantee control functions in Barranquilla.

The Executive Director of the Association of Cattlemen of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense and Western Boyacá, Sogaboy, expressed concerns regarding a resolution being developed by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

The Colombian Army's 12th Brigade conducted operations in the Caquetá department to recover a minor victim of forced recruitment. Brigadier General Sergio Armando Guzmán confirmed the operation resulted in the surrender of two alleged members of a residual organized armed group. The military stated the recovery of the minor reaffirms their commitment to combating forced recruitment. The operation aimed to protect children from criminal structures. The police stated the operation aims to restore the rights of those subjected to such recruitment. Operations continue in the area as violent incidents have intensified. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez recently visited the Cáceres zone in Antioquia to address reports of illegal mining alongside an Army battalion. Illegal mining was located near an Army battalion during the operation.

Javier Ascanio, president of the Catatumbo Personeros Association and Personero of Acarí, expressed strong rejection of a decision by the Victims Unit to centralize humanitarian aid delivery in Cúcuta. Ascanio stated that centralizing aid in Cúcuta would ignore the territorial reality of the Catatumbo region in Norte de Santander. The decision is being challenged by local officials in the northern part of the department. A spokesperson noted that without studies of municipal coverage, victims may spend funds on travel, such as 400,000 pesos for transit from Tibú to Cúcuta. The officials are calling for the immediate restoration of aid delivery within each municipal headquarters to ensure direct access for victims. Currently, victims receiving 400,000 pesos in aid must travel from locations like Tibú to Cúcuta, which consumes much of the assistance in travel costs.

Spanish lawyer Gonzalo Boye confirmed that a meeting occurred between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the defense for alias Papa Pitufo in Bogotá. Boye stated that he was informed of the President's interest in establishing this meeting.

A disoriented bear was identified near the urban center of Calera Conjunto Abobotá in the Cundinamarca department. Local authorities found fresh tracks and manure during a patrol of the area.

At least 20 people died and more than 30 were injured on the Pan-American highway in Cauca, according to authorities. The incident occurred amid ongoing security operations involving the army and police.

Colombian military and police forces launched an offensive in the Cauca department to prevent a terrorist escalation by FARC dissidents. General Vero Pena Viz, former regional police commander, provided details on the operation.

Fluminense lost their match against Bolivar in the Copa Libertadores tournament. The broadcast noted the physical fatigue of the players as the minutes passed.