Santander homicide rates rise amid increase in contract killings

Authorities in the Santander department of Colombia have reported a significant rise in violent crime. According to data from the Fiscalía General de la Nación, 175 homicides were recorded in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area—including Floridablanca, Girón, Piedecuesta, and Lebrija—between January 1 and August 4, 2026. This represents an increase of 38 murders compared to the same period in 2025.

Contract killings (sicariato) are the primary driver of this violence, accounting for 106 of the recorded deaths, followed by 49 cases related to brawls. Officials suggest these crimes are linked to territorial disputes and illegal activities such as micro-trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Bucaramanga remains the most affected municipality, recording 104 deaths.

During the recent holiday weekend of August 18, five specific homicides were reported across Barrancabermeja, Floridablanca, and Bucaramanga. Notable incidents included the fatal shooting of a couple on a motorcycle in Barrancabermeja and the death of an 18-year-old in a shooting that also injured a 7-year-old girl. Judicial police are currently investigating these recent attacks to identify those responsible.