Antioquia Violence Escalates, Journalist Murderedactive

At the site, a flag of the insurgency was found, along with a cylinder painted with the colors of that structure.

Vehicles were set on fire in the Crucesitas area, in the north of Antioquia. An improvised explosive device was also found at the scene.

The disaster has so far caused damage to three warehouses and six homes. One of the warehouses where the fire started has suffered significant material losses.

The head of state identified Chalá as merely the leader of a gang and stated that he would not be involved in any negotiations. The governor, Andrés Rendón, rejected this assertion.

There are ongoing expressions of outrage over the murder of the journalist who was trying to report on the conflict that is devastating the region of Antioquia. His body has already been found.

There are ongoing expressions of outrage and condemnation regarding the murder of the journalist who was seeking to report on the conflict that is devastating the region of Antioquia. His body has already been found.

The attack occurred on a rural road between Salgar and Betulia, in the southwestern region of Antioquia.

The international organization urged the authorities to investigate, prosecute, and sanction those responsible.

This Friday, Colombian journalist and student Mateo Pérez Rueda was found dead, after having disappeared last Tuesday. His murder has been attributed to a faction of the Frente 36, a dissident group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). "The body of journalist and student Mateo Pérez Rueda, 23 years old, director of the media outlet 'El Confidente' in Yarumal, which he founded while still in high school and where he was studying Political Science at the National University, Medellín campus, has been found," confirmed Colombian President Gustavo Petro, through a post on his social media. The body of journalist and student Mateo Pérez Rueda, 23 years old, director of the media outlet "El Confidente" in Yarumal, which he founded while still in high school and where he was studying Political Science at the National University, Medellín campus, has been found. He was murdered by Jhon Edison Chalá Torrejano from… — Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) May 8, 2026 According to initial investigations, Pérez was in the area of El Palmichal, in the municipality of Briceño, in the northwest of the country, "conducting reports on the clashes that were taking place in the area when his disappearance was reported," according to the Colombian NGO Indepaz. The body was reportedly handed over by members of Frente 36, the alleged perpetrators of the crime, to a humanitarian mission from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Public Defender's Office in a rural area...

Bogotá, Colombia – Authorities in Colombia confirmed the discovery of the body of Mateo Pérez Rueda, an independent journalist and Political Science student at the National University in Medellín, who had traveled to Briceño, Antioquia, to document the security situation in that region, where the 36th Front of the dissidents of the former FARC operates. The body has been released to the family following dialogues between organized crime groups and humanitarian organizations, including the ICRC. The family wasn’t allowed to enter the zone either. “He was murdered by Jhon Edison Chalá Torrejano, from the Darío Gutiérrez front, which is a divided group from the 36th Front, fragmented into various criminal groups,” stated President Gustavo Petro through his X account. The 25-year-old reporter had become an important voice for the communities of northern Antioquia, founding and serving as the director of the digital media outlet El Confidente de Yarumal. In this role, he covered issues related to organized crime, administrative corruption, public order, security, and local politics in municipalities where organized crime and illegal armed groups operate actively, such as Valdivia, and Ituango. Because of this, he faced legal prosecutions, conciliation summons, and other hostile acts against him. The country entered into an active search for Mateo following the report of his disappearance on May 5 in the rural hamlet of Palmichal, where local residents and relatives of the victim had reported that the journalist had been murdered by members of the criminal group led by alias Calarcá Córdoba. Alias Calarcá is a guerrilla leader participating in President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” negotiations, and his arrest warrant was suspended by the government to facilitate talks with the armed group. According to local media, Mateo contacted several officials seeking someone to accompany him to a rural area to get information about the ongoing armed conflict in the region. Reports state that authorities and neighbors reportedly recommended that he should not leave the urban center, as no one, even government officials, have guaranteed safety going into these sectors; the journalist reportedly ignored these warnings and set off on his motorcycle. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez initially handled the case as a disappearance, but Mateo’s loved ones pointed out that it could be a kidnapping and murder just a few hours after losing contact with him, when his vehicle, wallet, cell phone, and keys were found abandoned. Sánchez also offered a 300 million COP (around $80,500 USD) reward for information leading to those responsible for Mateo’s suspected murder. This situation also highlights the ongoing risks for those practicing journalism in Colombia, mostly in rural territories and conflict zones. According to the FLIP, a press freedom foundation, since 2022, armed groups have attacked the press 387 times, using threats and displacement to force silence. Featured image: Mateo Pérez Rueda Image credit: FLIP The post Colombian journalist found dead days after being reported missing appeared first on Latin America Reports.

Fenalco Antioquia announced what gifts people from the region are likely to give during this holiday season, while authorities will deploy 2,000 personnel for the upcoming weekend.

The mayor of Medellín, the capital of the department of Antioquia, made a statement after *El Tiempo* newspaper revealed that a humanitarian commission had received the body of the young man.

The "Guardians of the Road" project is sponsored by El TIEMPO.

Following the disturbances at the stadium in Medellín, Manuel Villa confirmed that nine people were arrested and warned that the "Football Law" is now being implemented.

The leader sent a message through his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that authorities are conducting operations in the area.

The match between Independiente Medellín and Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores was cancelled. The game was stopped after five minutes of play due to incidents in the stands of the Atanasio Girardot stadium. Fireworks were thrown from the north stand, and some objects fell near the goal defended by goalkeeper Agustín Rossi. In light of this situation, the referee, Jesús Valenzuela, ordered the temporary suspension of the match and sent both teams to the locker rooms while the security situation was assessed. After several minutes of waiting, an announcement was made over the loudspeakers that the stadium needed to be completely evacuated in an attempt to resume the match without spectators. However, an hour later, CONMEBOL confirmed the cancellation of the match. The match between #DIM and #Flamengo was cancelled. pic.twitter.com/LxCizgLMiw — CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) May 8, 2026 The situation occurred amidst a complex institutional and sporting period for the Colombian team. Over the weekend, the club was eliminated from the local league playoffs after losing 2-1 to Águilas Doradas. After that match, Raúl Giraldo, the club's majority shareholder, entered the field of play and made gestures towards the fans, which generated strong disapproval. Following this incident, the executive announced his departure from the club in an attempt to reduce the tension surrounding the institution. However, the situation did not improve…

Temperatures in Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Montería have exceeded 38 degrees Celsius, with perceived temperatures, especially during midday, reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

While there were 7 reported road closures in April, in the first seven days of the new month, there were already 6 blockades, with several of them occurring on the same day.

The unusual terrorist incident occurred early Wednesday morning in one of the most popular nightlife areas of Medellín.

The patient who underwent this groundbreaking treatment was a 13-year-old girl from Bogotá, and she had a tumor that affected 80% of the organ.

With an attendance exceeding 10,000 people, the Alternativa Film Festival 2026 concluded its edition at the Orquideorama in the Botanical Garden of Medellín, solidifying its position as one of the most important platforms for cinema from the Global South. The festival, supported by the company inDrive, allocated USD 120,000 in prizes across seven categories, with a focus on stories about identity, memory, and social justice, according to the organizers. The final day included the awards ceremony for outstanding productions and the announcement of the event's expansion to Bogotá and Africa. The winning films: The jury, chaired by Colombian actress Natalia Reyes, recognized works that stand out for their ability to spark conversation from a human perspective. The Focus Award (USD 20,000) went to "Runa Simi," directed by Peruvian filmmaker Augusto Zegarra, a film that explores Quechua identity through an intimate lens. "I felt many things at the same time... I am still moved by everything that is happening with the film," Zegarra said after receiving the recognition. In the feature film category, the main prizes were: Spotlight Award (USD 20,000): "9-Month Contract," by Ketevan Vashagashvili (Georgia), for bringing visibility to marginalized realities. Future Voice Award (USD 20,000): "A Useful Ghost," by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke (Thailand, Singapore), for its bold narrative approach that blends humor and social critique. Alter Award (USD 20,000): "Cutting Through Rocks," d…

In one of the incidents, a shooting occurred between one of the victims and one of their attackers. The latter is currently injured.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development reiterated that "all legally required international regulations will be complied with."

A video purportedly featuring members of Los Pepes claims to contain information about a plan by a rival gang to target Palomino's life.

Danilo Andrés Ramírez Barrios, a 17-year-old teenager, was attacked while attempting to collect a debt in the town of Rebolo on April 23rd.

Preliminary reports indicate that the young woman refused to enter the tourist's room. This is what is known so far.

Preliminary reports indicate that the young woman refused to enter the tourist's room. This is what is known so far.

According to the company organizing the annual festival, logistical issues on the main stage caused a 3-hour delay to the event.

Governor Andrés Julián Rendón concluded the sessions of the Assembly, highlighting progress in the fight against hunger and infrastructure projects.

The incident occurred in the Urabá region of Antioquia. According to the police, the man allegedly sexually abused the minor after kidnapping her.

The project required an investment of $4.2 billion, which was provided by the UNGRD.

Marlon Rivas died last Friday, May 1st, in the early hours of the morning, reportedly during a checkpoint set up by authorities in Castilla.

The crime occurred at the home of the alleged perpetrator's mother, who has a criminal record.

Federico Gutiérrez denounced alleged transfers of protesters using resources from criminal organizations.

The death of Danilo Andrés Ramírez Barrios caused deep shock and sadness within the cultural and youth communities of Barranquilla.

The international athletic competition is also expected to stimulate the economy of the city of Cali.

The event featured the participation of the WWB Colombia Foundation, with an impact on Cali and the country as a whole. A report was presented in Bogotá.

As the investigative pressure began to intensify in the Atlantic region, the individual known as "El Nene" chose to go off the grid and avoid immediate detection.

The Governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, blamed the National Government for "fostering" the chaos in the mining sector in La Mandinga.

Colombia was planning to slaughter 80 hippopotamuses after a small herd imported in the 1980s by the drug lord grew out of control. An Indian tycoon has offered them a new home instead.

An Indian billionaire's son offered on Tuesday to take hippos descended from those introduced to Colombia by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, rather than have the animals killed. Anant Ambani, the son of tycoon Mukesh Ambani, said he had formally requested the Colombian government to stay a decision to kill the animals, which have wreaked havoc on rivers in the South American nation.

AZCARM claims to have the resources to rescue the animals and accuses the Ministry of Environment of hindering the transfers due to a lack of willingness.

The mayor of Medellín has requested the annulment of decree 0433 of 2026. He alleges that the newly appointed Superintendent lacks the necessary technical qualifications.

The son of an Indian billionaire offered this Tuesday to house 80 hippos, descendants of those introduced to Colombia by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, in order to prevent them from being euthanized, as planned by Colombian authorities. Anant Ambani, son of the magnate Mukesh Ambani, formally requested the government of Gustavo Petro in a statement to suspend the decision made this month to euthanize these animals, which have caused significant damage to the ecosystems of the South American nation. Instead, he offered to allow for a "safe and scientifically guided relocation" that would move the 80 animals to a permanent home at his Vantara animal sanctuary in India. The vast zoo, located in the northwestern state of Gujarat, is presented as "one of the largest wildlife rescue, care, and conservation centers in the world." According to the Central Zoo Authority of India, Vantara already houses hundreds of elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles, among other animals. Experts have repeatedly warned about the enormous number of animals housed by Vantara, including the import of rare and critically endangered species. After the drug lord's death in 1993, they managed to escape from their captivity and established themselves on the lush banks of the Magdalena River, where they have attacked fishermen. Their dangerousness has fueled initiatives to euthanize them...

The Administrative Tribunal of Antioquia ordered the suspension of the intervention of the health insurance company (EPS) following a lawsuit filed by its shareholders.

The bridge connecting Necoclí and Arboletes has a span of 48 meters. This project benefits 9,200 families in this sub-region of Antioquia.

The Administrative Tribunal of Antioquia halted the intervention by the Colombian Health Superintendency (Supersalud) and ordered the return of control of Savia Salud within a period of 10 days.

They need to carry out complementary and definitive construction work. The community of La Mojana has called on President Petro to visit the region.

In addition to the lieutenant who was convicted, eight other soldiers are currently serving sentences related to the incident that occurred in October 2025.

Federico Gutiérrez and Andrés Julián Rendón denounced impunity and institutional persecution following the request to review the peace process.

The mayor ordered the cancellation of the event that was scheduled for this Tuesday at the Pilot Public Library. Nevertheless, the launch went ahead as planned.

In scientific literature, approximately twenty cases have been reported in which a woman becomes pregnant with children from two different men during the same menstrual cycle.

The Medellín City Hall halted the event at the Pilot Library, citing "apology for terrorism," while the publishing house denounced the action as academic censorship.

The Rionegro airport accounts for the majority of cases in the country. In the past week, 15 foreign nationals were deported back to their home countries.

Independent cinema from the Global South will have its major showcase in Colombia, with a strong focus on emerging talent. From April 21st to 30th, Medellín will host the third edition of the Alternativa Film Festival 2026, which this year will award a prize pool of USD 120,000 to recognize productions with a social impact. The event will feature a program of 30 productions, divided into 15 feature films in competition and 15 short films, selected for their exploration of diverse realities from different regions of the world. All screenings will be free, and the selection will focus on themes such as territory, family, and identity. The screenings will take place in key locations in the city, such as the Museum of Modern Art of Medellín (MAMM) and the Colombo Americano Cultural Center, further reinforcing Medellín's role as a cultural and audiovisual hub in Colombia. Notable titles include 9-Month Contract, A Useful Ghost, Becoming, Belén, Brigitte’s Planet B, Cactus Pears, Cutting Through Rocks, Piedras Preciosas, Lost Land, Only Heaven Knows, Queer as Punk, Runa Simi, The Condor Daughter, The Nature of Invisible Things, and The Reserve. Festival Program In addition to the official competition, the festival includes a special selection of six internationally recognized films, including A Sad and Beautiful World, Cadet, Homebound, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, and Tiger St…

This alleged hitman from the Gulf Clan reportedly fired shots at citizens in the La 70 area. Authorities are investigating a possible criminal settling of scores.

During a raid and search operation in Manrique, authorities in Medellín, the capital of Antioquia, delivered a significant blow to the criminal organization.

The regional authorities announced a comprehensive offensive against "El Mesa" and the "Gulf Clan" in this sub-region of Antioquia.

The capital city of the Antioquia department is commemorating two centuries since its official designation with cultural events and a new legal framework to protect its identity.

The project will cost $2.7 trillion, connect two strategically important regions, and promises to transform mobility, commerce, and competitiveness in the northern part of the country.

An earthquake, with its epicenter in Anorí, woke up residents of the Antioquia region this Saturday. Medellín and other municipalities report a return to normalcy following the seismic event.

Illegal extortion has become the primary source of funding for gangs and common criminals who impose payments, threats, and control over neighborhoods.

The project aims to complement the existing infrastructure in the area, which also includes a mountain biking trail.

Researchers from the GNA are launching a study involving 240 volunteers to test drugs that slow down the accumulation of amyloid in the brain.

The mayor's office of Federico Gutiérrez and the "Medellín Cómo Vamos" organization reported a crisis in the hospital network and instances of corruption during that four-year period.

The focus of the implementation efforts has been on road infrastructure, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and economic recovery.

The man will remain free until the sentence is final. The victim's family is calling for justice.

The mayor of Medellín stated that the national government did not contribute a single peso towards the feasibility studies for the newly announced metro cable project for San Antonio de Prado.

The leader, who succeeded Quintero in leading the capital of Antioquia, strongly criticized the appointment, which was confirmed by the National Government.

Although the preventative measures remain in effect, the focus of the investigation shifted after the initial technical assessments of the case.

The Colombian Council for Sustainable Construction is leading an agenda in the city focused on decarbonization, public policy, and urban well-being.

What began as an eccentric whim of drug trafficker Pablo Escobar to bring four hippos to Colombia for his private zoo, has become a serious environmental and security problem in the country's central region. This species has reproduced uncontrollably over the past three decades, posing a significant threat. In 2022, the nearly 200 hippos descended from those original four animals, brought from Africa over 30 years ago, were declared an invasive exotic species by the Colombian government. Since then, plans have been developed to control their population, but these plans have only recently been implemented. As a result, the Colombian government announced a hippo management plan this Monday, which includes the euthanasia of at least 80 individuals during the second half of this year, in order to prevent further reproduction. "Since 2022, science has told us that we need to reduce the hippo population to protect our ecosystems," said Environment Minister Irene Vélez, referring to euthanasia as a control method after it was determined that attempts to relocate these animals to other countries were unsuccessful. Two methods of euthanasia will be implemented: a physical method and a chemical method. The process begins with capturing the hippo, followed by sedation and the subsequent administration of medications "approved by experts in these procedures." The 80 individuals will be taken from Hacienda Nápoles, Escobar's former property in central Colombia.

Despite the decrease in traffic fatalities, tragedies like the recent incident where an elderly woman was hit by a vehicle continue to keep citizens on high alert.

Colombian officials on Monday authorized a plan to cull dozens of hippos roaming freely through a region in the center of the country, where they threaten villagers and displace native species years after notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar brought in the first ones.

The lack of natural predators or hunters has made the large mammals a threat to the local ecosystem, experts noted

The measure is in effect from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Decades after the drug lord brought in the first hippos for his private zoo, their descendants have become a threat to Colombia's ecosytem.

Mayor Federico Gutiérrez announced that he will be taking further legal action against the National Government regarding the state of the healthcare system.

Authorities arrived at the scene to carry out all necessary inspection procedures and to collect the body.

The four hippos that Pablo Escobar brought to the country have become a large herd that threatens ecosystems, and this has led the government to opt for euthanasia.

Authorities arrived at the scene to carry out all necessary inspection procedures and to collect the body.

On May 11, 2020, Luis Enrique Díaz Flórez, 44 years old, was collecting water in a stream in the Estación Pita area, in Puerto Triunfo, Antioquia, when a hippopotamus emerged and struck him on the side. He didn't see the animal coming. He awoke three days later in the San Vicente de Paúl Hospital in Rionegro, 170 kilometers from the site of the attack. He had several broken ribs and a metal rod implanted in his right leg, extending from the hip. Months later, he was still unable to work. What happened to that farmer would have been unimaginable thirty years ago, when the hippopotamuses were still confined to the Hacienda Nápoles. Today, Colombia is home to the largest population of these animals outside of Africa: more than 160 individuals descended from the four specimens that the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar illegally imported in 1981 for his private zoo. No government has managed to stop their expansion. This Monday, the Minister of Environment, Irene Vélez, announced that the government of Gustavo Petro has authorized the euthanasia of 80 animals, planned for the second half of 2026. This is the most drastic measure adopted to date, and it comes after thirty years of failed management. The story begins at Hacienda Nápoles, a farm of over 2,000 hectares located in Puerto Triunfo, halfway between Medellín and Bogotá. Starting in 1981, Escobar transformed it into a declaration of immense power: its own airstrip, a…

The artwork, which had been missing for years, reappeared after being found in a property in Caldas. Its rediscovery sparked criticism.

The Ministry of Tourism aims to connect this iconic sector with the global market, enabling its rich cultural heritage to be translated into revenue.

The accident occurred on a mountainous stretch of road between the departments of Antioquia and Caldas.

The sector in the region is experiencing a historic start to the year, with record-breaking vehicle registrations and a 441% growth in electric vehicle sales.

Authorities believe the victims may have had prior criminal records. A reward of up to $50 million is being offered for the capture of those responsible for the crime.

With the recent capture of the individual known as "Toco," the pursuit of the eight leaders who unleashed a wave of violence in San Javier during 2018 has come to an end.

The organizations announced the commitments agreed upon to complete the massive infrastructure project that will connect Antioquia to the sea by 2027.

It was revealed that a party took place this Wednesday inside the maximum-security prison where the leaders of the peace talks are incarcerated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged a cybersecurity incident that affected the online processing system.

The national emergency has necessitated rescheduling appointments and is causing delays in the processing of the document's formalization.

The alleged perpetrator of the femicide, a 34-year-old man, was apprehended in the department of Caldas after he fled through the city's transportation terminals.

They had departed from Medellín and were headed to the city of Florencia in the Caquetá department. There were 22 injured people, including men, women, and minors.

The measure is in effect from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The incident occurred during the evening hours of Sunday, April 5th.

The Mayor sent official correspondence to the United States regarding alleged connections to drug trafficking. Leaders of criminal gangs claim that if such connections existed, they would have already been extradited.

The leader from the Paisa region has been one of the most vocal critics of this key policy of the Petro government. He is seeking to have it repealed.

The commander of the Cali Metropolitan Police, Brigadier General Herbert Benavídez, presented reports detailing the events that occurred on April 6th.

For the first semester of 2026, the peak and plate driving restriction schedule in Cali will be in effect from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday.