# Colombia internal security and armed group fragmentation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-internal-security-and-armed-group-fragmentation > Updated: 2026-09-16T10:36:14.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Colombia is experiencing a complex security landscape driven by the fragmentation and reorganization of armed groups following the 2016 FARC-EP peace agreement. These entities, including the ELN, FARC dissidents, and various paramilitary structures, maintain territorial control by blending political objectives with illegal economies. This has resulted in a humanitarian crisis involving forced displacement, extortion, and the recruitment of minors. As the situation evolves, concerns have shifted toward the long-term ability of the State to reclaim authority. There is growing evidence of structural infiltration, where criminal networks have spent decades learning to operate within and potentially co-opt state institutions. This creates a tension between the need for effective security strategies to combat organized crime and the necessity of institutional oversight to protect democratic processes. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: Colombia faces challenges from organized crime and institutional infiltration Colombia faces significant challenges as organized crime groups continue to occupy territories and potentially infiltrate state institutions through decades of systemic influence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-faces-challenges-from-organized-crime-and-institutional-infiltration ### 2026-09-05: Colombia faces evolving security threats from fragmented armed groups Colombia's security landscape is shifting as armed groups like the ELN and FARC dissidents evolve, blending territorial control with illegal economies and creating a complex humanitarian crisis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-faces-evolving-security-threats-from-fragmented-armed-groups --- Cite as: Colombia internal security and armed group fragmentation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-internal-security-and-armed-group-fragmentation