Stories from Colombia

A post on X alleges that former President Álvaro Uribe and Novoa are employing an electoral strategy. The post claims that guerrillas do not exist in Colombia, but rather armed drug trafficking groups.

An illegal armed group entered a sugar mill estate in northern Cauca, Colombia. The group threatened workers and burned machinery used for sugarcane cultivation. This follows the burning of two sugarcane transport vehicles in rural Miranda last weekend. Claudia Calero, president of Azulcaña, stated that current conditions are not suitable for sugarcane production. The attack occurred in the region between Padilla and Corinto. This incident is the most recent in a series of attacks targeting the sugar industry in western Colombia. The incident has caused tension within the local agro-industrial sector. The sugarcane industry remains one of the most affected sectors by violence in the region, according to reports.

Authorities closed a road segment in Piendamó at kilometer 25 on the route connecting Cauca and Valle del Cauca. The closure has lasted over six hours due to a suspected explosive device found in a sewer.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that 5,380 unarmed military personnel were killed in front of their families. The meeting was reportedly authorized and managed by officials including the national intelligence director. The contact was intended to provide guarantees for Diego Marin Vuitrago to enter Colombia peacefully. The national intelligence director has denied involvement in managing the meeting. The meeting in Bogota included the lawyer for Diego Marin. The source clarified the participants present during the meeting. The conversation involving Diego Marín Vuitrago is ongoing. Lawyer Gonzalo Boye confirmed the meeting with President Petro took place at his office in Spain. Petro stated that Simón Trilidad and Iván Márquez suffered from persecution. The National Electoral Council confirmed sanctions against the Petro campaign.

Colombian authorities have arrested a criminal group that specialized in robbing business owners.

A judge sentenced Alberto Manuel Reyes Santana to 12 years in prison. Authorities are currently investigating the motives and perpetrators behind the crime. The sentencing follows a case involving the abuse of a minor and the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease.

Authorities in Tibú have announced a new security council to address recent disruptions affecting fuel stations. The council aims to implement measures to protect the integrity of station owners, workers, and daily customers.

Armed men opened fire on occupants of a residence in the Rafael Rangel neighborhood of Comuna 6 in Barrancabermeja. A third 17-year-old female was wounded and remains under medical care at an essential center. Two prosecutors and a special judicial police group have been assigned to investigate a triple homicide in the Rangel neighborhood of Barrancabermeja. The incident occurred in the ladrillera sector. Authorities are deploying investigative capsules to the scene, according to the source. Prosecutors determined that the triple homicide was carried out using what was described as a military-style plan. The Mayor's office in Barrancabermeja has offered a reward of up to 20 million pesos for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible for a triple homicide. There have been 41 murders in Barrancabermeja so far in 2026.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a 13-paragraph message on X accusing the Uribe-Novoa alliance of attempting to undermine upcoming elections. Petro stated that Colombia does not have guerrillas, but rather armed drug trafficking groups.

Authorities have removed more than 2,000 cubic meters of mud and earth from the Bogota La Mesa road. The route had been closed for 72 hours due to the blockage. Officials expect to reopen one lane for vehicle traffic within the next few hours.