Colombia

Guerrilla Violence Erupts in Colombia on Eve of Presidential Election

Has Petro's 'total peace' policy empowered armed groups or is the military actively restoring order?

Published 6 days ago

Guerrilla Violence Erupts in Colombia on Eve of Presidential Election

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Above: Colombian soldiers stand guard inside an armed vehicle on the Pan-American Highway on May 28. Image credit: Joaquin Sarmiento/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Government-critical narrative

Gustavo Petro's total peace policy has handed armed groups room to grow stronger, expand territory and deepen their grip on drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping. The state has become a bystander in places like Guaviare, showing up days after clashes that leave dozens dead. Now, democracy is under threat as illegal groups are pressuring civilian voting.

El Nuevo Siglo

Pro-government narrative

Colombian armed forces are actively deployed in Guaviare, moving into remote jungle terrain to restore security and protect civilians after criminal structures clashed near Barranco Colorado. The military is coordinating with legal authorities to process the scene and hold perpetrators accountable, while still granting a chance for every member of these groups to demobilize and return to lawful life.

Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez on X