Cauca, Colombia witnesses deadly massacres and large fuel seizure amid armed group conflict

In 2026 the Colombian department of Cauca has become the region with the highest number of massacres in the country, accounting for 11 of the 69 recorded incidents and 58 of the 364 total killings. On 4 July, three merchants—Jhon Pedro Rodríguez (38), Rodrigo Rodríguez (40) and Jhon Bastos (35)—were found dead with signs of torture in the rural area of El Barranco, Corinto. The victims were originally from Huila and were targeted amid ongoing confrontations between illegal armed groups, including the Dagoberto Ramos structure and the Frente 57 “Yair Bermúdez”.

A separate operation by the Colombian Navy on 9 July intercepted two motor vessels on the Limones River near Guapi, seizing more than 10 450 gallons of gasoline and diesel intended for the dissident faction of the Central Staff’s Block Occidental, linked to commander Iván Mordisco. Six individuals were arrested. The navy said the seizure aimed to weaken illicit economies, disrupt criminal structures, and protect local communities.

Both incidents illustrate the escalating security crisis in Cauca, where competition for control of strategic corridors and illicit resources continues to threaten civilians and challenge state authority.