Colombia’s in the headlines for a spike in conflict-driven displacement and violence, with President Gustavo Petro at the helm of these shifts. Short bio: first leftist president, ex-guerrilla, reformist agenda.
A global study shows obesity has continued to rise in many countries since 1980, but several high‑income nations have seen a slower increase, plateau, or slight decline by 2024. Trends vary by country, sex, and age, with low‑ and middle‑income countries still reporting rising rates. Experts urge unpacking country‑specific drivers and considering policy responses and medicines.
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.
A Colombia‑ and Netherlands‑hosted summit in Santa Marta has convened more than 50 countries (April 24–29) to open political debate on phasing out oil, gas and coal. Organisers are focusing on renewable energy, energy security and finance while major producers such as Saudi Arabia and some large economies are not attending.
Earth Day marks six decades of environmental effort, with a global movement highlighting activism, policy gains, and individual action. This year's theme, Our Power, Our Planet, emphasizes small, everyday steps alongside landmark rulings and campaigns that protect ecosystems and curb pollution.
Rail workers have found six people dead inside a Union Pacific boxcar at a train yard in Laredo, Texas, on Sunday afternoon. Laredo police have confirmed six fatalities — five men and one woman — and have said autopsies will be done; authorities have not released identities or a cause of death. An investigation is ongoing.
Colombia and the Netherlands have convened a two-day conference with nearly 60 countries to chart roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels. The gathering promotes voluntary national plans, addresses financing and debt relief, and seeks to accelerate a shift toward clean energy outside traditional UN climate talks. A second summit will be held next year in Tuvalu.
Direct commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela have resumed for the first time since 2019. Envoy Air flight AA3599 has landed in Caracas after departing Miami; American/Envoy will add a second daily Miami–Caracas service on May 21. The return of service follows renewed diplomatic ties and recent US actions in Venezuela.
Colombia has experienced a series of bombings and attacks in Cauca and Valle del Cauca, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Authorities blame dissident FARC groups linked to drug trafficking. Security forces are increasing operations ahead of upcoming elections, as violence continues to escalate.
The World Meteorological Organization and European agencies have released their 2025 State of the Climate findings saying at least 95% of Europe has recorded above-average annual temperatures, marine heatwaves and more than 1 million hectares burned by wildfires; glaciers and snow cover have lost mass and the Greenland ice sheet has contributed to sea level rise.
A blast at the Carbonera Los Pinos coal mine in Sutatausa, north of Bogote1, has left miners trapped with several rescued. Officials say six have survived and were taken to hospital, while rescue teams continue operations and investigations focus on gas buildup and safety lapses.
The IDMC and NRC have reported 82.2 million people were internally displaced at the end of 2025, a new record driven largely by conflict (32.3 million) and increasingly by climate disasters (29.9 million). Iran and DR Congo account for two‑fifths of conflict‑driven displacements, while Sudan remains the country with the most IDPs. Displacements linked to conflict have surged by 60% year over year.
Two political campaign staffers have been killed in Meta, Colombia, as campaigning intensifies ahead of the May 31 election. Abelardo de la Espriella’s team says the victims were shot by gunmen on motorcycles while returning from campaign activity. De la Espriella blames a dissident FARC faction; authorities are investigating amid rising political violence.
A U.S. District Judge has ruled that Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata, 55, who was deported despite medical needs, has been illegally removed and must be returned to the United States. Congo’s authorities have refused to accept her for medical reasons, leaving her in Kinshasa while the case unfolds.