Communeros del Sur Disarming Marks Small Win for Colombia’s Total Peace
The demobilization of a dissident faction of the ELN is a symbolic step forward for Colombia’s Total Peace policy, which…
The Endless Battle for Bajo Cauca: Colombia’s Criminal Crown Jewel
Near the banks of the Nechí River—one of the main hubs of illegal gold mining in northern Colombia—Javier*, a community…
How Forced Migration Strengthened Organized Crime in Venezuela
A new report from the World Bank has found that the forced displacement of millions of Venezuelans has helped consolidate…
Major Criminal Powers Dispute Key Corridors in Colombia
The balance of power in Colombia’s criminal underworld is in flux, as turbulent shakeups see major criminal players competing for…
The Sinaloa Cartel to the ELN: Ally or Subordinate?
Remarks from Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro that the Sinaloa Cartel is the “current boss” of the National Liberation Army (Ejército…
The Fragile Peace Behind and Beyond Prison Bars in Colombia’s Buenaventura
“Since I took over leadership of Marte, I have improved conditions for detainees,” says Silvio,* a mediator between inmates and…
3 Reasons Landmines Are Making a Comeback in Colombia
After a promising decline in landmine incidents, Colombia is once again facing a surge in these explosive devices. This grim…
Renewed War for Colombia Cocaine Center
The criminal war in northeast Colombia has escalated into a new phase of violence, as intense fighting between two Colombian…
Global Pressure Mounts: Venezuela, Bounties, and Crime
The US wanted poster offering a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro is…
Maduro Inauguration to Consolidate Criminal Regime in Venezuela
After what appeared to be a stolen election, Nicolás Maduro today assumes another six-year mandate as Venezuela’s president. Heading a…