Security challenges rise in Colombia and Dominican Republic

In Colombia, remote regions are facing an escalation of violence driven by illegal armed groups. These structures are conducting targeted attacks, threats, and hostilities against social leaders, merchants, and civilians. In response, the Military Forces and the National Police have announced strengthened patrolling and intelligence operations in strategic corridors used for illicit economies, such as drug trafficking and extortion.

Local governors and mayors have emphasized that military action must be paired with social investment, including infrastructure and programs to substitute illegal economies, to address the structural causes of the violence. The difficult topography of mountainous and jungle areas remains a significant challenge for maintaining a permanent state presence.

In the Dominican Republic, police operational capacity is being strained by high rates of domestic violence and neighbor disputes. Official statistics indicate that 59% of recorded homicides are related to interpersonal conflicts and coexistence disputes rather than organized crime. Furthermore, over 70% of recorded violent incidents are linked to social conflict, often triggered by alcohol consumption, noise complaints, or minor disagreements.