Colombia probes alleged new armed group in Antioquia as ELN kidnappings reported in Cauca

Colombian authorities have opened an investigation after a video circulated online showing a group of hooded men announcing the formation of a purported illegal organization called the Comandos Armados del Pueblo (CAP). The video, posted on social media, contains threats against the FARC dissident Front 4 and claims the group began armed operations on July 3 in the municipalities of Segovia and Remedios in the northeast of Antioquia. Officials are verifying the authenticity of the footage and assessing whether it represents a genuine new armed actor or a psychological intimidation campaign.

In a separate incident in the southwestern department of Cauca, approximately 35 armed men identifying themselves as members of the ELN entered the rural community of San Antonio in the municipality of López de Micay. They seized phones, looted stores and forced residents to transport stolen goods. Of the 40 people detained, 32 were released, while eight remain missing. Local authorities and human‑rights groups have called for urgent protection measures and an investigation into the kidnappings.