Stories from Colombia

A civilian reported being threatened by soldiers in Calca, claiming they threatened to kill him if he did not sign a confession regarding drug trafficking. The individual stated he surrendered to the military after initially mistaking them for thieves.

Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Londoño addressed investigations regarding the assassination of his son, Miguel Uribe. The candidate noted that his son faced extraordinary security risks.

General Hugo López, the commander general of the Military Forces, stated that terrorist attacks are still being recorded in Cali. Local business and guild councils have requested a master security plan for the country's southwest. Military and police leadership provided the security update in Cali. Ombudsman Iris Marin stated that the military response is insufficient to address the violent escalation in the department. Marin described a grave humanitarian crisis in the southwest of the country. The Mayor of Bogota warned of risks regarding forced displacement in affected territories. The Defender of the People requested a comprehensive national government response that extends beyond military action in the Cauca department. Officials stated that military responses are reactive and will not solve underlying issues in Cauca.

Former Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco and former Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla testified during a hearing that they did not direct key witness María Alejandra Benavidez to implement a strategy against certain individuals.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to his Ecuadorian counterpart regarding alleged guerrilla incursions near the northern border. The response follows reports that the Ecuadorian president received information about Colombian guerrillas being supported by the Colombian government. The incident involves alleged movements in the border zone. Petro stated it is time to stop believing lies regarding recent claims about his alleged meetings. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of promoting a supposed incursion by Colombian guerrillas into Ecuadorian territory. The report was broadcast on ADN Radio Chile. The meeting aims to address recent tensions between the two nations.

Venezuela and Colombia have restored their binational electrical connection after an eight-year disconnection.

President Gustavo Petro has endorsed a decision by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) regarding Simon Trinidad. The JEP has recognized a specific incident involving Trinidad as a homicide related to the country's history of violence.

The Mayor of Ayapel, Uguarmando Pinedo, has called on the national government to maintain a social, economic, and environmental emergency decree. Pinedo stated that local leaders are warning of the consequences if the decree is not upheld.

They have requested intervention from the government, high courts, and control agencies. The dispute could affect the stability of the system currently managing these resources. The debt remains unpaid despite efforts to resolve the matter. Consumer groups are calling for the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio, Supertransporte, and Aeronáutica Civil to adopt preventive and regulatory measures to protect travelers. The call follows reports that summer travel costs are tripling due to rising gasoline prices. Airlines are reportedly facing direct pressure regarding refunds, relocations, claims, and compensations. The groups argue that these financial burdens are being passed directly to consumers.

The action challenges a decision by the Administrative Tribunal of Cundinamarca that imposed precautionary measures. They warned the action could affect the stability of the current pension system. The dispute involves an administrative act directed at the Superintendency of Finance of Colombia. The National Electoral Council confirmed a sanction against President Gustavo Petro's 2022 presidential campaign. The council determined the campaign exceeded spending limits and received irregular financing. This first-instance decision carries fines for those responsible. The ruling follows investigations into the campaign's financial conduct. The decision imposes fines totaling 2,879 million pesos. The campaign's treasurer and auditor must also respond to the ruling.