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Country Profile for COLOMBIA |
Risk Rating |
General Information |
Country Map |
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Red (High Risk)
InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice: Some parts of the country are dangerous. Travel with caution. Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice: Most parts of the country are safe. Travel freely. |
Capital: Bogota Major Languages: Spanish Currency: Peso Timezone: GMT -5:00 |
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Overview
Overview
The security situation in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, although militant and drug trafficking groups still present a serious threat in rural areas and some major cities. The militant group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – FARC) continues to be active, to varying degrees, throughout most of Colombia’s 32 departments. FARC, a Marxist revolutionary group, has been engaged in a guerrilla war against the Colombian government since 1964. The group has a well defined military structure comprised of operational leaders and various regional units, which are known as fronts. It has been estimated that the group currently has between 8,000 – 10,000 active members.
FARC has carried out multiple attacks on government and military targets in recent years, especially in the rural south-east of the country. Although civilians are not usually targeted specifically, they are often killed or wounded during FARC raids. This is also true in respect to the use of landmines, which are estimated to have killed 10,000 people since 1990. Approximately 40% of the victims of landmines have been civilians. The departments most affected by existing mine fields are Narino, Cauca, Arauca and Antioquia.
Although incidents of kidnappings have fallen significantly since a peak in the late 1990s, the risk remains relatively high. FARC militants are responsible for the majority of incidents in rural areas, including the kidnapping of a French journalist in April, 2012. In June, 2011, three Chinese oil workers were kidnapped by members of FARC in the southern Caqueta province. In urban areas the main threat of kidnapping comes from local criminal gangs, who are more likely to hold victims for short periods of time for lower ransom demands. The majority of victims of kidnap for ransom in Colombia are domestic nationals.
General crime is a moderate threat to foreign nationals in Colombia. Street or petty crimes, such as bag snatching and pick-pocketing, are more prevalent in urban areas and on public transport. Violent crime, although less common, does occur from time to time. In April, 2012, a US tourist was shot dead during an armed robbery at a hostel in the city of Medellin. In May, 2012, another US citizen was killed on Medellin’s Carrera 70, a popular tourist spot in the city.
Alerts
Alert for Colombia
Coffee growers clash with police across Colombia - 26 February 2013:
Thousands of coffee growers have clashed with police in a series of protests across Colombia. The UN has called for dialogue between the government and workers, who are demanding greater financial support for their industry.
Colombian soldiers killed by FARC rebels - 14 February 2013:
At least seven Colombian soldiers have been killed during clashes with the FARC rebel group in the southern province of Caqueta. It is the largest loss of life for the army since peace talks between FARC and the government began late last year.
FARC kill four soldiers ahead of peace talks - 31 January 2013:
Colombia's FARC rebels have killed four soldiers in the south of the country, ahead of the latest round of peace talks in Cuba. Five rebels were also killed in a separate military operation in the northern town of Nudo Paramillo.
FARC rebels end two-month long ceasefire - 20 January 2013:
The FARC rebel group have ended their two-month long ceasefire, with the group's chief negotiator saying "with pain in my heart, we have to admit that we return to the stage of war that nobody wants". The Colombian government have accused the rebels of using peace talks as an opportunity to rearm.
Mine workers kidnapped by ELN rebels - 18 January 2013:
Five mine workers have been kidnapped by the National Liberation Army (ELN) in northern Colombia. The victims. who include a Canadian national and two Peruvians, were taken during a dawn raid by a group of more than 20 rebel fighters. The government has said that security forces have been deployed to rescue the workers.
FARC rebels killed in military operations - 01 January 2013:
At least 13 FARC rebels have been killed during an operation by the Colombian military in the north-western province of Antioquia. The rebels, who were based in the town of Chigorodo, were reportedly members of the Front 5 unit.
Five killed by Neiva landslide, 25 others missing - 30 December 2012:
Five people have been killed in a landslide near the south-western city of Neiva, while rescue teams are searching for 25 other people who are missing. Hundreds of troops, fire-fighters and paramedics have been dispatched to the area to assist in the rescue effort.
Security forces target FARC camp - 03 December 2012:
At least 20 FARC rebels have been killed after the Colombian military targeted a camp in the Narino province. It is the first significant operation against the guerrilla group since peace talks began in October.
FACR declares two-month ceasefire ahead of talks - 19 November 2012:
Colombia's main militant group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), have declared a unilateral two-month ceasefire as they begin peace talks with the government. The landmark talks are being held in the Cuban capital Havana, and are aimed at ending a conflict which started almost 50 years ago.
Colombian farm workers killed in north-west - 08 November 2012:
A group of 10 farm workers have been shot dead by a criminal gang in the north-western province of Antioquia. A survivor of the attack said that the gang had been attempting to extort money from the farm's foreman. According to the mayor of Santa Rosa there has been a significant rise in extortion in recent months.
Police officers killed in rebel ambush - 30 October 2012:
Six Colombian police officers have been killed in an ambush by suspected FARC rebels in the south-west of the country. The officers were killed while on patrol in the Cauca province.
Supermarket blast kills two in northern Colombia - 24 October 2012:
At least two people have been killed after a bomb exploded at a supermarket in the northern city of Santa Marta. According to local police the attacker threw a grenade into the supermarket.
FARC militants kill soldiers in Putumayo ambush - 21 October 2012:
Five Colombian soldiers have been killed in an ambush by FARC militants in the Putumayo region. The attack took place on Friday night near the town of Puerto Assis, which is located close to the border with Ecuador.
Street vendors clash with police - 02 October 2012:
Disenchanted street vendors have clashes with police in downtown Medellin after local officials failed to turn up to discuss trading rights. The protesters smashed shop windows and threw missiles at police; the security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Popayan bombing wounds six - 31 August 2012:
Six people have been wounded at around 100 houses damaged after a 150-pound bomb exploded in the south-western city of Popayan. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, FARC militants are suspected of planting the bomb.
FARC rebels destroy bridge in San Vicente - 20 July 2012:
Members of the rebel group FARC have destroyed a bridge in the southern town of San Vicente in Caqueta province. No injuries were reportedly injured in the blast; however, the town is now only accessible by air or by an unpaved road.
FARC attack kills five oil workers - 04 July 2012:
An attack by FARC militants has left at least five oil workers dead in the southern department of Putumayo. According to the Colombian army FARC guerrillas from the 32nd Front carried out the attack.
Gunmen kill five in south-west Colombia - 01 July 2012:
Five suspected members of the drug trafficking group Los Rastrojos have been shot dead in south-western Colombia. The attack, by suspected FARC gunmen, took place at a bar in the restive town of Tumaco.
Four killed in FARC attack - 04 June 2012:
Two civilians and two police officers have been killed in an attack by FARC guerrillas in southern Colombia. Two children were also wounded in the incident in the town of La Montanita in Caqueta province.
French journalist freed in Colombia - 31 May 2012:
French journalist Romeo Langlois has been released by FARC rebels, a month after he was kidnapped. He was captured while filming military operations in the Caqueta region on southern Colombia.
Soldiers killed by FARC militants - 22 May 2012:
At least 12 Venezuelan troops have been killed in an attack by FARC militants in northern Colombia. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the soldiers were deployed to prevent rebels from crossing into his country.
Former hostage accused of planning his own kidnapping - 21 May 2012:
Sigifredo Lopez, a FARC hostage for seven years, has been accused of being behind his own kidnapping. Mr Lopez was part of a group of 12 provincial legislators who were seized in Cali in April 2002. He has not yet been charged, with prosecutors saying that their investigation is continuing.
Two killed in Bogota bombing - 16 May 2012:
Two people have been killed after a bomb exploded in the Colombian capital Bogota. The blast appeared to have been targeting against the former Interior Minister Fernando Londono, a prominent right-wing politician.
French journalist kidnapped in Colombia - 29 April 2012:
A French journalist is reported to have been kidnapped by FARC rebels in Colombia. Romeo Langlois was captured during clashes between the Colombian troops and FARC rebels, which also left three soldiers and a police officer dead.
US tourist killed in Medellin - 27 April 2012:
A US tourist has been killed during a robbery at a hostel in the Colombian city of Medellin. Local reports claim that a group of three robbers entered the El Tamarindo hostel in the El Poblado district of the city before shooting dead the tourist and escaping with valuables.
Final political militants released by FARC - 03 April 2012:
The final 10 political hostages have been released by FARC rebels in Colombia. The group, composed of both police and military hostages, were collected from a remote region of the Brazilian jungle.
FARC rebels killed in military raid - 26 March 2012:
At least 35 FARC rebels have been killed after Colombia's armed forces carried out a raid on a jungle base in the central Mata region. President Juan Manuel Santos has said that there will be no negotiations with the left-wing group until it releases all remaining hostages and ends all military operations.
Colombian soldiers killed in FARC ambush - 18 March 2012:
At least 10 Colombian soldiers have been killed in an ambush by rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The attack occurred in a remote area of Arauquita, close to the south-east border with Venezuela.
FARC vows to release remaining hostages - 26 February 2012:
The FARC military group says it will release the remaining 10 'political prisoners' that it is holding as hostages. Many of the hostages, all of whom are members of Colombia's security forces, have been held for more than 10 years.
Army uncovers three tonnes of FARC explosives - 13 February 2012:
The Colombian security forces have uncovered an abandoned FARC camp in the the south of the country, seizing more than three tonnes of explosives and a huge arsenal of weapons. The police said they were tipped off by rebels who had recently surrendered.
Rebels attack police station in Tumaco - 02 February 2012:
At least seven people have been killed and a further 70 injured after rebels attacked a police station in the southern city of Tumaco. Police officials have claimed that members of the FARC paramilitary group were responsible for the attack.
Bomb attack on police station kills two - 31 December 2011:
The wife and infant son of a local police commander have been killed after suspected FARC militants attacked a police station in southern Colombia. Around 17 people were also injured in the incident in the town of Orito.
Neiva bomb attack injures 10 - 04 December 2011:
Six police officers and four civilians have been injured after a bomb attack on a police convoy in the central city of Neiva. Members of the FARC rebel group are believed to be responsible for the attack.
FARC rebels kill four hostages during army raid - 27 November 2011:
FARC rebels killed four hostages as Colombian troops approached their position in the southern region of Caqueta. All of the hostages were members of the security forces had been in captivity for more than 12 years. A fifth hostage was found alive.
FARC leader killed by Colombian army - 06 November 2011:
The leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Alfonso Cano, has been killed by the Colombian army in the Cauca department. He had taken command of the group in 2008 following the death of Manuel Marulanda Velez.
FARC ringleader killed in north-west - 02 November 2011:
An alleged ringleader from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been killed following an operation by the Seventh Division of the Colombian Army. Ramiro Antonio Montoya Moreno, known as "Ramirito," was killed in the raid, while three more members of the group were captured.
Two police officers killed in Bogota - 26 October 2011:
Two Colombian police officers have been killed in Bogota while attempting to defuse a bomb outside a government building in the city. The attack comes just a few days before the countries regional and municipal elections are scheduled to take place.
FARC attacks leave 20 soldiers dead - 23 October 2011:
Rebels belonging to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have killed at least 20 Colombia soldiers in two attacks. On Friday 10 soldiers were killed in the southern Narino province when their vehicles hit landmines, while another 10 were killed in an ambush in the eastern province of Arauca on Saturday.
Student protests turn violent in Bogota - 12 October 2011:
Riot police have clashed with student protesters in the capital Bogota after a 30,000 strong march turned violent. Five officers were wounded after protesters threw stones, bottles and small explosive devices at riot police.
Armed forces clash with rebel fighters - 11 October 2011:
Colombian armed forces have clashed with rebel fighters close to the countries northern border with Venezuela, leaving 11 insurgents and seven soldiers dead. Elsewhere seven soldiers were killed in an ambush by FARC rebels in the south-western province of Cauca.
Colombian mayor kidnapped in Cauca - 27 July 2011:
A mayor from the south-western province of Cauca has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. The car he was travelling in was held up by a group of armed men on the highway between San Sebastian and Santa Rosa.
Car bomb wounds 17 in Popayan - 20 June 2011:
At least 17 people have been injured by a car bomb in the city of Popayan. Local police had stopped the car following a tip-off, believing that its intended destination was the cities main square. The driver of the car, who was arrested at the scene, is reported to be a member of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group.
FARC rebels increase attacks - 14 June 2011:
FARC rebels have clashed with Colombian security forces in the south-west of the country. The rebels targeted an army checkpoint in the Caqueta province, killing two people and injuring ten more.
Guerrillas kidnap Chinese oil workers - 09 June 2011:
Members of the FARC rebel group have kidnapped three Chinese oil workers and their translator in the southern Caqueta province of Colombia.
Protests against education reform - 07 April 2011:
Thousands of students and teachers have demonstrated across Colombia to oppose education reforms. Riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds in the capital, Bogota and in the city of Pereira.
FARC rebels killed by security forces - 25 March 2011:
At least 10 FARC rebels have been killed by Colombian security forces in western Colombia. Four FARC operatives are also reported to have been captured in the operation.
Six killed in suspected FARC attack - 19 March 2011:
Three civilians and three police officers are reported to have been killed in an attack blamed on FARC rebels. The incident occurred in the north-east province of Norte de Santander when rebels attacked a local police station with homemade bombs.
Colombian military kills FARC leader - 16 March 2011:
The Colombian military have killed a FARC leader in an operation close to the border with Ecuador. The rebel leader, known as "Oliver Solarte", had allegedly managed drug and arms trafficking for the rebel group.
Oil workers released by FARC rebels - 08 March 2011:
22 of the 23 oil workers kidnapped on Monday by suspected FARC rebels have been released.
Oil workers kidnapped by suspected FARC rebels - 08 March 2011:
At least 23 oil workers have been kidnapped by suspected FARC rebels in a remote jungle area in the east of the country. The workers, employed by a Canadian oil company, had been taken from the jungle on Monday and the Colombian army have been attempting to secure the groups release.
Extensive flooding kills 300 - 16 December 2010:
Heavy rains have caused extensive flooding throughout Colombia, killing at least 300 people and affecting over two million.
Car bomb kills four in Colombia - 30 November 2010:
Three police officers and a civilian were killed after a car bomb exploded near a police station in southern Colombia. At least 16 other people were injured in the incident which is suspected to have been carried out by FARC.
FARC attacks kill six in south-west Colombia - 29 November 2010:
Four civilians and two members of the security forces were killed on Saturday in a series of attacks by FARC militants.
Rebel ambush leaves three police officers dead - 23 November 2010:
At least three police officers have been killed and several others injured following an ambush by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) militants in the south-western town of Morales.
State of emergency after severe flooding - 21 November 2010:
The president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, has declared a state of emergency in 28 of the country's 32 districts due to severe flooding. Heavy rain has caused severe problems throughout the country and has left at least 136 people dead and more than 200 injured.
Colombian military target FARC militants - 15 November 2010:
The Colombian military has killed at least 13 FARC militants in an airstrike near the border with Ecuador in southern Colombia. The airstrike is part of a wider military initiative to target FARC which was instigated by President Juan Manuel Santos in August 2010.
Two police officers killed in suspected FARC attack - 28 October 2010:
Two police officers have been killed in an armed attack on a highway checkpoint in the north-eastern Arauca region. Three civilians were also injured in the incident which is believed to have been carried out by members of FARC.
FARC issues threat to foreign embassies - 20 October 2010:
Security has been tightened around a number of foreign embassies in Bogota after FARC issued an imminent threat against foreign embassies in the capital.
Data
Colombia Data Sheet
Population: 46.3 million
Major Religion/s: : Christianity
International dialling code: +57
International dialling prefix: 00
Emergency services: 123
Drives: Right
Voltage: 110V
Climate: Tropical
Other Major Cities: Cali, Medellin, Barranquilla, Cartagena
Borders: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador
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Journalists Under Attack
Journalists Under Attack
- 16 May 2013 Plot to kill Colombian journalists uncovered
- 14 May 2013 New threats in Colombia highlight risk for journalists, analysts
- 10 May 2013 Journalist assassinated in southwestern Colombia
1 casualties under investigation. - 28 Nov 2012 Colombian journalist dies after arrest by police
1 journalist casualties. - 25 Oct 2012 Colombian police apologise for attack on photographer
- 05 Oct 2012 Colombia requests international warrant for colonel over journalist murder
- 18 Sep 2012 Ten Colombian journalists threatened with death over interview
- 13 Aug 2012 Colombian journalist's murder unpunished 13 years later
- 14 Jul 2012 Colombian police attack journalist, erase information from his camera and cell phone
- 09 Jul 2012 Colombian radio journalist demands respect for his profession after being attacked while reporting
- 31 May 2012 French journalist freed by the Farc says he was treated well
- 30 May 2012 Remote hamlet ready for French reporter's release
- 28 May 2012 Journalist found dead in Medellin
- 27 May 2012 Reviving hopes, FARC rebels say they will free French journalist on 30 May
- 07 May 2012 Farc says it is holding French journalist Romeo Langlois
- 01 May 2012 Farc rebels "holding Langlois as prisoner of war"
- 29 Apr 2012 Colombian troops killed, French journalist missing
- 29 Mar 2012 Journalist killed in northern Colombia
1 journalist casualties. - 15 Mar 2012 Colombian radio journalist gunned down
- 07 Feb 2012 Man gets 24 years for Colombian journalist's killing
Media Safety
Media Safety
- 16 May 2013 Plot to kill Colombian journalists uncovered
By Sibylla Brodzinsky, The Guardian Authorities in Colombia have uncovered a plot to kill a freelance ... - 14 May 2013 New threats in Colombia highlight risk for journalists, analysts
By Helen Murphy, Reuters Colombia on Tuesday warned of a plot by an organized ... - 10 May 2013 Journalist assassinated in southwestern Colombia
By Adriaan Alsema, Colombia Reports A journalist from a local radio station in the southwestern Colombian ... - 28 Nov 2012 Colombian journalist dies after arrest by police
A Colombian journalist, Guillermo Quiroz Delgado, died in a hospital after suffering head injuries ... - 25 Oct 2012 Colombian police apologise for attack on photographer
A member of the Colombian National Police attacked a photographer on Tuesday, Oct. 23, ... - 05 Oct 2012 Colombia requests international warrant for colonel over journalist murder
- 18 Sep 2012 Ten Colombian journalists threatened with death over interview
IPI expresses concern over Peruvian defamation suit At least 10 journalists in the northern Colombian ... - 13 Aug 2012 Colombian journalist's murder unpunished 13 years later
Press organizations, defenders of human rights, families and journalists gathered here Monday to commemorate ... - 14 Jul 2012 Colombian police attack journalist, erase information from his camera and cell phone
Police attacked a Colombian journalist who was trying to cover a bank robbery in ... - 09 Jul 2012 Colombian radio journalist demands respect for his profession after being attacked while reporting
A Colombian radio journalist was hit in the face while trying to report about ... - 31 May 2012 French journalist freed by the Farc says he was treated well
Romeo Langlois makes plea for more attention to Colombian insurgent war where 'the poor ... - 30 May 2012 Remote hamlet ready for French reporter's release
Residents of this remote hamlet that lacks running water and electricity, and lives off ... - 28 May 2012 Journalist found dead in Medellin
A Colombian documentary filmmaker and indigenous leader was found dead in in Medellin, newspaper ... - 27 May 2012 Reviving hopes, FARC rebels say they will free French journalist on 30 May
After holding French journalist Roméo Langlois for a one month, the guerrillas of the ... - 07 May 2012 Farc says it is holding French journalist Romeo Langlois
Langlois disappeared a week ago when Colombian security forces he was accompanying on mission ... - 01 May 2012 Farc rebels "holding Langlois as prisoner of war"
Colombia's largest rebel group, the Farc, is holding a French journalist who had been ... - 29 Apr 2012 Colombian troops killed, French journalist missing
A French journalist was missing early Sunday along with five Colombian security force members ... - 29 Mar 2012 Journalist killed in northern Colombia
A Colombian community radio reporter was gunned down yesterday evening in a small city ... - 15 Mar 2012 Colombian radio journalist gunned down
A Colombian radio journalist and former mayor was shot and killed Thursday after being ... - 07 Feb 2012 Man gets 24 years for Colombian journalist's killing
A former militiaman was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in ...