Gustavo Petro is in the news as Colombia faces rising violence and border tensions. He’s the country’s first left-wing president since 2022.
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.
Latin American countries Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico are increasing cooperation with the US on anti-narcotics efforts. Bolivia has resumed DEA operations after nearly 20 years, Colombia has intensified military actions, and Mexico has stepped up efforts following the death of cartel leader El Mencho. These shifts mark a regional security realignment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado has visited Spain, meeting with opposition figures and avoiding talks with the government. She has received a warm welcome from conservative leaders, highlighting divisions within Venezuelan politics and contrasting her approach with that of the Spanish government, which emphasizes democratic sovereignty.
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.
Mexican President Sheinbaum has stated there is no diplomatic crisis with Spain, despite past disputes. She has participated in a democracy summit in Barcelona, following Spain's recent acknowledgment of the abuses during the conquest of the Americas. Relations have shifted toward reconciliation, with Spain inviting Sheinbaum to host next year's summit.
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.
Polls across Brazil, Colombia and Peru show tightening races ahead of upcoming elections. In Brazil, Lula and Bolsonaro remain neck and neck ahead of the October vote, with second-round dynamics shaping expectations. In Colombia, Cepeda leads in a potential June runoff, while Peru’s Fujimori and Sanchez are running closely in the first-round aftermath.
Displacement, confinement and injuries linked to Colombia’s six-decade conflict have surged in 2025, with hundreds of thousands forced from homes as armed groups clash and civilian protection declines, according to ICRC and other agencies. The situation has intensified despite peace talks and ceasefires, as attackers and rebels target civilians and health workers.