- Conflict, Victims and Peace Talks
An attack with drones carrying explosives left one soldier dead in Norte de Santander.A Colombian soldier was killed and two others were injured after an explosive-laden drone attack attributed to the ELN in the rural community of Los Negritos, in the municipality of Teorama, Norte de Santander. The incident is the latest in a growing series of drone attacks in Catatumbo, following a similar ELN strike in nearby Tibú on 24 May that killed another soldier and injured seven troops.
This is how Colombians Voted in the Areas Where Illegal Armed Groups Hold Sway. The Colombia One analysis of the 2026 presidential election found that voting patterns in areas heavily affected by armed conflict and under the influence of illegal armed groups were far more diverse than often assumed. While right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella performed strongly in several regions where groups such as the ELN, FARC dissident factions and the Clan del Golfo maintain a presence, left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda also secured significant support in many conflict-affected territories. In departments such as Cauca, Putumayo and parts of the Pacific coast, Cepeda generally outperformed the national average, reflecting support for continuing negotiations and social programmes in regions that have borne the brunt of decades of violence. By contrast, De la Espriella achieved particularly strong results in areas where deteriorating security conditions, extortion and armed group expansion have fuelled demands for a tougher military response.
ELN accused of attacking military barracks in northern Colombia. An attack on the headquarters of the Cartagena Mechanised Infantry Battalion in Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira department, injured 12 Colombian soldiers. According to military authorities, explosives were launched at the base from a vehicle parked several hundred metres away, damaging the battalion’s entrance and nearby civilian infrastructure, including homes and educational facilities. While the Colombian Army initially stated that investigations were under way, local officials and the Defence Ministry attributed the attack to the ELN, suggesting it was retaliation for recent arrests of suspected guerrilla members in Riohacha and the border city of Maicao.
“Children do not belong to war”: Prosecutor on the murder of 11 minors in Guaviare. It was confirmed by the National Institute of Legal Medicine that 11 of the 48 people killed in recent clashes between rival FARC dissident factions in Guaviare were minors. Colombia’s Attorney General for Administrative Affairs, Gregorio Eljach condemned the deaths as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and declared that “children do not belong to war”, stressing that children and adolescents must be protected by both the state and society rather than exploited by armed groups. He called on government institutions responsible for child protection to take urgent action to prevent armed organisations from continuing to recruit and use minors in the conflict.
The key step to identify 15 people who disappeared during the conflict in Guaviare. A significant advance in efforts to identify people who disappeared during Colombia’s armed conflict after the Unit for the Search for Missing Persons (UBPD) carried out, for the first time in Guaviare, a post-mortem verification process on 15 bodies recovered from the Municipal Cemetery of San José del Guaviare. The specialised forensic procedure involves comparing information from death certificates, autopsy reports and investigative records with physical characteristics of the recovered remains, including fractures, dental records, tattoos and other identifying features, in order to establish their identities and eventually return them to their families with dignity. The bodies are believed to belong to people who died between 2010 and 2015 during the armed conflict. The operation formed part of the San José del Guaviare Regional Search Plan and involved both forensic teams and the humanitarian organisation Reencuentros, made up of former FARC members who provided information that could help identify some of the victims. The UBPD also appealed to families whose relatives disappeared during armed confrontations in Guaviare and neighbouring areas between 2010 and 2015 to come forward with information.
He is “Papucho”, the 17-year-old who is believed to be a dangerous hitman responsible for some 20 murders. A 17-year-old alleged hitman known as “Papucho” was arrested in Bogotá after police identified him as the suspected perpetrator of a shooting in the La Favorita neighbourhood of Los Mártires district. Authorities claim the teenager is linked to a criminal structure involved in contract killings, drug trafficking and extortion, and investigators are examining his alleged involvement in at least 20 homicides committed across the capital. According to police reports, he was captured while attempting to flee following a firearm attack that left one person injured.
The Cesar Governorate denounced the return of “miracle kidnappings” by the ELN after they abducted cargo drivers. The Governor of Cesar, Elvia Milena Sanjuán, has warned of the apparent return of the so-called “pescas milagrosas” (miracle fishing operations), a tactic historically associated with Colombia’s armed conflict in which illegal armed groups establish roadblocks, stop vehicles and abduct travellers. The alarm was raised after five freight drivers were reportedly kidnapped and their vehicles stolen by suspected ELN members on a rural road between San Roque and La Jagua de Ibirico, in the municipality of Curumaní. According to departmental authorities, armed men intercepted several vehicles, forced the drivers out and took them to a nearby rural area while seizing the trucks.
- Business, Human Rights, Environment and Indigenous peoples
Kambo: What is the frog poison ‘spiritual ritual’ killing detoxers?Kambo is a traditional Amazonian ritual that involves applying secretions from the giant monkey frog to small burns on the skin, typically after participants drink large quantities of water. Indigenous communities in parts of Peru and Brazil have historically used the practice for hunting, purification and spiritual purposes, but in recent years it has spread internationally as an alternative wellness treatment promoted as a “detox” or spiritual cleanse. The ritual usually triggers intense physical reactions, including vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, swelling and a rapid heartbeat, which practitioners interpret as a form of purging. However, medical experts warn that kambo carries significant risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, liver and kidney damage, seizures, psychosis and, in rare cases, death. There has been growing scrutiny of the practice following several fatalities linked to kambo ceremonies, including the death of a British wellness coach.
One killed in attack at Zijin’s Buritica gold mine, Colombia mining group says. An attack on the Chinese-owned Buriticá gold mine in Colombia’s Antioquia department left one worker dead and another injured, according to Colombia’s national mining association. The mine, operated by Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining, has long been at the centre of conflict involving illegal miners and armed criminal groups. The mine had previously suffered repeated disruptions, including a 2025 attack in which illegal miners used homemade explosives to damage critical infrastructure and temporarily halt production. The Buriticá mine, Colombia’s largest gold-producing operation, has faced years of violence linked to illegal mining networks, many of which are reportedly protected or taxed by organised armed groups. Previous attacks have killed workers and injured police officers.
Government signed law recognizing forced displacement due to climate change. Colombia has enacted a landmark law recognising people displaced by climate change, environmental degradation and natural disasters as victims with specific rights and state protections, becoming the first country in Latin America to establish such a legal framework. The legislation, recently signed by the government after passing Congress, means that people forced from their homes by floods, landslides, droughts, volcanic eruptions and other climate-related events will no longer be treated simply as temporary disaster victims but as internally displaced persons entitled to long-term support and protection.
Colombia is beginning to close its gaps. Colombia is beginning to make progress in addressing some of its deepest social inequalities through programmes led by the Ministry of Equality and Equity. Rather than relying solely on traditional subsidies, the government has sought to expand access to fundamental rights such as food, care services and clean water. According to the report, nearly all of the ministry’s allocated resources for the Popular Economy and Zero Hunger programmes were executed. More than three million hot meals and over 107,000 food baskets were distributed, whilst helping communities move towards greater economic self-sufficiency. The implementation of Colombia’s National Care Policy, the expansion of community care networks, support for migrants through Integrate Centres, initiatives for homeless people and older adults, and the “Water is Life” programme were implemented.
- Women and Gender Based Violence
A judge orders Abelardo De la Espriella to acknowledge that women vote intelligently and with sound judgment.A Bogotá judge has ordered presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella to issue a public statement recognising that women vote “with intelligence, discernment and judgement” after finding that remarks he made during a media interview violated women’s rights to equality, dignity and political participation free from gender-based violence. The ruling stemmed from comments in which De la Espriella suggested that part of his support among female voters was linked to his physical attractiveness, remarks that generated widespread criticism and accusations of sexism.
- Civil Society and Protests
Union at Colombia’s Ecopetrol launches 24-hour strike over labor talks. The main union at Colombia’s state-owned oil company, the Petroleum Industry Workers Union (USO), launched a 24-hour strike on 2 June after negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement reached an impasse. According to the union, 25 days of talks had produced no meaningful progress, despite only two weeks remaining in the current phase of negotiations. USO, which represents around 25,000 Ecopetrol employees and contractors, accused company management of delaying discussions and failing to engage with its proposals. The union is demanding substantial wage increases as well as reduced working hours and expanded health and education benefits.
Security Proposals of Colombian Presidential Candidates 2026. Security has emerged as the defining issue of Colombia’s 2026 presidential election, with candidates offering sharply contrasting approaches to the country’s worsening violence and the expansion of armed groups. Iván Cepeda advocates a continuation and reform of the “Total Peace” strategy, combining negotiations with armed organisations, implementation of the 2016 peace accord, stronger civilian institutions, protection for social leaders and greater social investment in conflict-affected regions. In contrast, Abelardo de la Espriella argues that negotiations have failed, pledging to end talks with insurgent and criminal groups, intensify military operations, expand prison capacity and strengthen security cooperation with the United States.
Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General And Head of the UN Verification Mission In Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, on Election Day, 31 May 2026. In a statement issued on Colombia’s election day, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the first round of the presidential election and commended Colombian citizens for their democratic participation despite a climate of political polarisation and security concerns. He recognised the work of electoral authorities, security institutions and civil society in ensuring that voters could exercise their rights, while also noting the importance of maintaining respect, tolerance and democratic dialogue as the country moved towards the 21 June run-off. Jenča urged political leaders, parties and supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, reject violence and continue conducting their campaigns within a framework of democratic coexistence.
Colombia: Two people released in Arauca. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that it had facilitated the release of two people who had been held captive by the Eastern War Front of the ELN in a rural area of Arauca, one of Colombia’s most conflict-affected departments. The humanitarian operation was carried out with the participation of Colombia’s Ombudsman’s Office and the Catholic Church, organisations that frequently act as neutral intermediaries in releases involving armed groups. Following their liberation, the two individuals were transported by ICRC personnel to a safe location where they were reunited with their families.
- International and Domestic Politics
Celebration, shock and scepticism follow Colombia’s presidential election. Colombia’s first-round presidential election produced a mixture of celebration, shock and scepticism after far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella unexpectedly finished ahead of left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, overturning pre-election polling that had generally predicted Cepeda would lead the vote. De la Espriella secured 43.74% of the vote compared with Cepeda’s 40.90%, setting up a runoff election on 21 June. de la Espriella’s success reflects both growing public concern over insecurity and a broader anti-establishment mood. Campaigning on a hard-line “law and order” platform, the political newcomer promised an “iron fist” against crime, the construction of mega-prisons and a rollback of President Petro’s total peace policy.
Colombia’s soccer jersey isn’t just about sports. It’s become a symbol of political division. Colombia’s national football shirt, traditionally a symbol of unity and national pride, has become an unexpected flashpoint in the country’s presidential election campaign after supporters of conservative frontrunner Abelardo de la Espriella adopted the yellow jersey as a prominent feature of their rallies. Rival candidate Iván Cepeda, representing the governing Historical Pact coalition, criticised the practice as an attempt to appropriate a national symbol for partisan purposes and urged his own supporters not to wear the shirt at campaign events, arguing that it belongs to all Colombians. The controversy mirrors similar debates in Brazil, where the national football shirt became closely associated with supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Ecuador accused of meddling in Colombian election with tariff vow. Colombia’s government has accused Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa of interfering in its presidential election after he publicly discussed agreements on trade and security with right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella before Colombians had even voted. Noboa announced that Ecuador would lift tariffs on Colombian imports and claimed he had reached understandings with what he appeared to regard as an incoming administration, prompting Colombia’s foreign ministry to denounce the move as a violation of national sovereignty and democratic norms.
Trump’s message sparked debate over political interference: here’s what the campaigns are saying. The controversy was sparked by a public endorsement from President Donald Trump for Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of Colombia’s run-off election. Trump praised De la Espriella as a strong leader committed to economic growth and law and order, prompting accusations of foreign interference from President Petro and figures aligned with candidate Iván Cepeda.
Presence of Colombian Mercenaries in the Jalisco Cartel in Michoacan, Reported. There is growing evidence that former Colombian soldiers and other trained combatants are being recruited by Mexico’s powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) to participate in the violent conflict in the state of Michoacán. According to Mexican authorities, these Colombians are valued for their military experience acquired during Colombia’s decades-long internal armed conflict and are being used to train cartel gunmen, operate explosives, conduct tactical operations and participate directly in clashes with rival criminal organisations and security forces. The report highlights allegations that some recruits are lured with promises of legitimate private security work before discovering they have been hired by organised crime networks. Mexican officials have linked Colombian nationals to recent attacks involving improvised explosive devices, drones and sophisticated military-style tactics.