Colombia’s facing a surge in violence ahead of elections, with deadly bombings in Cauca. It’s a key South American nation with a complex history.
Ecuador and Colombia have imposed reciprocal tariffs amid rising tensions over security and drug trafficking. Ecuador announced a 30% tariff on Colombian goods and increased pipeline fees, while Colombia responded with tariffs and energy restrictions. The dispute is linked to security concerns, drug trafficking, and economic disagreements.
On January 29, 2026, Venezuela's National Assembly passed a bill reforming the oil sector to allow private and foreign companies operational control, reversing decades of state monopoly. The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil, signaling increased US involvement following the January 3 US military capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez supports the reforms amid ongoing political tensions and US pressure.
On January 28, 2026, a Satena-operated Beechcraft 1900 turboprop crashed shortly after takeoff from Cúcuta, Colombia, killing all 15 onboard, including congress member Diogenes Quintero and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo. The crash occurred in the conflict-ridden Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border. The cause remains under investigation, with adverse weather suspected.
Former US President Donald Trump met with Honduran President Asfura at Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing security cooperation against cartels and migration. The meeting follows recent Honduran elections and Trump's controversial pardon of ex-president Hernandez, highlighting ongoing US-Honduras relations amid regional security concerns.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights faces severe funding cuts after Western donors, including the US, reduced contributions in 2025. This has led to fewer monitoring missions, job cuts, and diminished capacity to address global human rights violations amid mounting crises.
Valentine's Day flowers in the US are arriving via Miami from Colombia and Ecuador, with prices rising due to tariffs and wages. Many consumers are encouraged to choose local Australian blooms to reduce environmental impact, amid increased import costs and environmental concerns.
Recent mining accidents in Colombia and India have resulted in dozens of deaths. In Colombia, a methane explosion at an illegal coal mine in Guacheta killed at least four, with authorities investigating the cause. In India, illegal rat-hole mines in Meghalaya caused a blast, killing 18 and injuring others, prompting a government inquiry.
The US Southern Command conducted three military strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 individuals suspected of drug trafficking. The campaign, initiated in September 2025, has resulted in at least 144 deaths amid widespread legal and human rights criticism over its legality and transparency.
Colombia's government and the Gulf Clan have announced the resumption of peace negotiations after a temporary suspension. The talks, mediated by multiple countries and the Catholic Church, focus on reducing violence and addressing drug trafficking, amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups and political pressures.
Colombia's search unit confirmed the remains of Father Camilo Torres, a priest and rebel who disappeared in 1966, after forensic analysis. His remains were handed over to activists on the 60th anniversary of his death, marking a significant step in addressing past disappearances linked to conflict and armed groups.
Colombia's security operations target criminal groups amid ongoing violence, while Ecuador increases tariffs on Colombian imports over border security and drug trafficking concerns. The dispute has led to trade disruptions and heightened diplomatic tensions, with both sides accusing each other of insufficient cooperation. The situation remains tense as regional stability is at risk.
The trial in Miami has begun for four men accused of conspiring to kidnap or kill Haiti's former leader, Jovenel Moïse, who was killed in 2021. The case highlights ongoing violence, political turmoil, and security challenges in Haiti, with the trial focusing on South Florida's role in the plot.
The UN Security Council convened on Saturday amid escalating tensions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting Iran's retaliation and regional instability. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, while Iran accused the US and Israel of illegal aggression. European nations urged diplomacy to prevent wider conflict.
Colombia's legislative elections and presidential primaries are taking place amid security concerns and political fragmentation. Meanwhile, Mexico's Congress faces a vote on proposed reforms, with recent defections highlighting tensions within Morena. Both countries' votes will shape their political futures and coalition-building efforts.
Ecuador has announced a large-scale military operation targeting organized crime, including drug trafficking and illegal mining, in three provinces. A curfew from March 15-30 is in effect to facilitate troop movements and reduce civilian casualties, with support from U.S. forces. The operation marks a significant escalation in the country's fight against crime.
Colombia and Venezuela postponed a high-level meeting amid tensions, citing 'force majeure.' The leaders discussed border security, energy cooperation, and trade, with recent US support for Venezuela's government amid complex regional relations. The meeting's delay highlights ongoing diplomatic uncertainties.
Ecuador has intensified its crackdown on organized crime, deploying military force and imposing curfews in key provinces. Over 250 arrests have been made amid ongoing battles between drug cartels and government efforts to restore security, with joint US support. The operations mark a significant escalation in Ecuador's fight against violence.
Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico jointly arrested Ecuadorian fugitive Angel Aguilar, linked to drug trafficking and the 2023 assassination of presidential candidate Villavicencio. The operation highlights regional cooperation against transnational crime, with Aguilar extradited to Colombia. Tensions persist over border security and sovereignty issues.
US prosecutors are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro over allegations of soliciting drug traffickers for campaign donations and possible meetings with traffickers. Petro denies the claims, which emerge ahead of Colombia's May presidential election. The investigations are in early stages, with no charges filed yet.
A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo, resulting in at least one death and dozens injured. The aircraft was transporting troops, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The incident occurred near an urban area in the Amazon region.
A Hercules C-130 plane crashed in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, killing 66 military personnel and injuring dozens. The aircraft was transporting troops within Putumayo. Investigations are ongoing, with officials ruling out rebel attack. President Petro highlights military modernization efforts amid the tragedy.
A U.S. flight attendant from Dallas-Fort Worth, Eric Gutiérrez Molina, was reported missing in Medellín after a night out with colleagues. His body was discovered in a rural area, with authorities suspecting foul play linked to drug-facilitated crimes. The investigation is ongoing.
Recent energy disruptions caused by war have highlighted how fossil fuels are embedded in many industries beyond transport and power. A two-week ceasefire offers hope, but experts say the war underscores the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, with upcoming international talks focusing on reducing demand and subsidies for petrochemicals.
Colombia has announced plans to cull up to 80 hippos descended from Pablo Escobar's private zoo. The decision follows unsuccessful efforts to control their population through neutering and relocation. The hippos threaten local communities and native species, and the government is shifting to population control measures, including hunting, to prevent their numbers from increasing further. This story is current as of Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:00:57 +0100.
David Varela, a US Navy Reservist, has been detained in Hong Kong after fleeing the US to avoid charges related to the death of his wife, Lina Guerra Echavarria, whose body was found in a freezer in Norfolk. The case has prompted international extradition efforts and ongoing investigations into her death.
Andres Zapata has been sentenced in Austin, Texas, to time served after cooperating in a decade-long investigation. The inquiry implicates misconduct among several agents, with Zapata’s cooperation revealing allegations of misconduct, misconduct, and illegal activities involving law enforcement officials. Zapata was extradited from Colombia and has paid restitution for tax-related charges.
The US has been sending migrants from Latin America to Congo under third-country agreements. The first groups have arrived in Kinshasa, with the US covering logistics. Critics raise concerns over legality, human rights, and the stability of destination countries.
As of April 27, 2026, a global summit co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands has convened over 50 countries to discuss transitioning away from fossil fuels. The meeting responds to the ongoing Iran war and resulting energy crisis, emphasizing renewable energy expansion despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. Major fossil fuel producers like the US, China, and Saudi Arabia have not attended.
On April 22, 1970, millions of people have marked the first Earth Day, which has grown into a global movement for environmental protection. This year, the theme 'Our Power, Our Planet' emphasizes individual actions to combat climate change and pollution. Activists continue to face challenges, but their efforts have led to significant policy changes and awareness.
G7 environment ministers have agreed to prioritize biodiversity and ocean conservation at their meeting, avoiding direct discussion of climate change due to the U.S. administration's stance. France aims to boost funding for African national parks, while activists criticize the decision to sideline climate issues.
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez has met with Petro in Caracas to discuss border security, trade, and regional stability. The meeting follows recent diplomatic efforts amid ongoing tensions over security, migration, and US sanctions, with both sides emphasizing cooperation to address shared challenges along their 2,200-kilometer border.
Colombia has experienced a series of bombings and attacks in Cauca and surrounding regions, resulting in at least 20 deaths and dozens injured. The attacks are linked to dissident armed groups, with security forces increasing operations ahead of the May presidential elections. President Petro blames criminal networks led by Ivan Mordisco.