Armed group violence in Colombia

Overview

Violence involving various armed groups in Colombia has escalated, targeting both community leaders and critical infrastructure. In the Antioquia region, social and community leaders have faced increasing pressure and lethal attacks. The Institute for Studies for Development and Peace (Indepaz) reported 14 murders of social leaders in Antioquia during the first half of 2026, driven by territorial disputes over illegal mining, drug trafficking, and extortion involving groups such as the ELN, Clan del Golfo, and FARC-EP dissidents.

Concurrently, insecurity has spread to strategic transport corridors. Following a military operation that killed a high-ranking member of the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN), the group threatened an armed strike. This resulted in attacks along the Troncal del Caribe, including the arson of a cargo truck in Dibulla and public transport buses in Santa Marta. In response to these developments, President Abelardo De La Espriella announced an extraordinary security council to address the intimidation of citizens by criminal structures.

Entities

Antioquia · Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada · La Guajira · Abelardo De La Espriella · CREDHOS

Timeline

1 day ago

[CRIME] 6 sources
Armed groups target vehicles along Colombia's Troncal del Caribe
Armed groups, linked to the ACSN, have burned cargo and public transport vehicles along Colombia's Troncal del Caribe following a military operation, prompting an emergency security council.
1 day ago

[CRIME] 7 sources
Armed groups increase pressure on social leaders in Colombia
Social leaders in Colombia face rising violence from armed groups like the ELN and AGC, with human rights organizations calling for urgent state and international intervention to protect vulnerable communities.

Sources

bookclubz.com · brevemedio.co · colombia.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · diariodelnorte.net · diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · expreso.ec · extra.com.co · larazon.co · paragrafo.co · pbicanada.org · periodicoelparamo.com