AGP Executive Report

U.S.-Colombia Reset: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met President Abelardo de la Espriella in Barranquilla and pledged to “restore” and deepen security cooperation, framing the last four years under Gustavo Petro as a period of “disasters” and “mistakes,” while highlighting a new agenda on counter–drug terrorism, border coordination, migration, and investment. Gun-Carry Rule Change: Colombia’s new decree ended a decade-long suspension on public carrying of legally owned firearms, allowing permit holders to take weapons outside their homes without extra authorization, while keeping ownership controls in place. Critical Minerals & Nuclear Ties: Rubio and Colombian officials signed memorandums to strengthen cooperation on rare earths, critical minerals, and civil nuclear energy—aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China and turning Colombia’s resources into investment and jobs. Regional Security Push: Rubio also used the tour to press anti-drug and anti-crime cooperation across the region, including Ecuador, where Washington blacklisted the “Los Tiguerones” gang as a terrorist organization. Meta & Information Integrity: Meta began testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, a move critics say may not replace professional fact-checking—Colombia included. Middle East Spillover: Escalating U.S.-Iran tanker attacks drove Brent above $100 a barrel, with Rubio warning Iran would “lose tankers” for attempts to hit U.S. warships. Local Governance & Public Safety: Colombia’s firearm policy shift is already sparking scrutiny, including reports that Indumil’s website crashed after the announcement. Health & Education: The CDC issued dengue travel warnings that include Colombia, while Education Above All marked the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

US-Colombia Security Reset: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Barranquilla to meet President Abelardo de la Espriella, saying Colombia has “never” requested American soldiers to fight cartels—only “help and training”—while acknowledging past requests for intelligence and specialized equipment. Critical Minerals & Nuclear Cooperation: Rubio and Colombia’s foreign minister signed two memorandums to build critical-minerals and rare-earth supply chains and expand civil nuclear cooperation, with faster permitting and financing tools. Legal Boundaries on Foreign Troops: Colombia’s State Council said it found no formal government requests for legal opinions on joint US military operations or foreign troop presence. Firearms Policy Shift: De la Espriella ended the 2015 suspension on civilian firearm-carry permits, restoring use of existing authorizations without an extra step. Regional Security Shock: The US-Iran tanker war escalated after Washington destroyed five Iranian oil tankers, followed by Iran missile strikes on a US-used base in Jordan and warnings to ships near Kuwait and Bahrain, pushing Brent toward $100. Culture & Public Life: JYP and Live Nation launched the “Straycity” festival with Stray Kids’ first Colombia date in Bogotá. Migration Administration: Migracion Colombia appointed retired National Police Lt. Col. Jose Luis Castaneda Tiria to modernize the agency and strengthen border security.

Firearms Policy Shift: President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1368 of 2026 ending Colombia’s long general suspension on carrying firearms permits, arguing law-abiding citizens were blocked while criminals kept arming illegally—while stressing strict licensing and controls remain, after security forces seized 15,700 guns between Jan. 1 and Sept. 3. US-Colombia Reset: Ahead of a key meeting in Barranquilla, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to press Colombia’s new government on eradicating cocaine and dismantling trafficking groups as Washington builds a regional security-and-trade framework. Budget and State Size Debate: De la Espriella sparked backlash after announcing aggressive public payroll cuts, putting the number of civil servants at 1.42 million and reigniting fights over the state’s fiscal sustainability. Court Challenge on Peace Radio: A Bogotá court denied Senator Iván Cepeda’s tutela seeking to restore Peace Radio programming, ruling the stations weren’t shut down and frequencies continued operating. Chocó Reconstruction Push: Business leaders and the government launched a “Plan Marshall”-style rebuilding program for earthquake-hit Chocó, with firms pledging 2 trillion COP and the state adding 1 trillion COP in infrastructure. Tech & Cybersecurity: Researchers warn hackers are actively exploiting FortiGate FortiOS flaws to deploy custom Node.js malware via compromised firewalls. Sports Spotlight: Colombia’s Luis Díaz made the 2026 Ballon d’Or men’s shortlist, while the Horasis Global Summit is set to come to Medellín in November.

US-Colombia Security Reset: Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Latin America tour in Colombia, meeting President Abelardo de la Espriella as Washington pushes “enhanced cooperation” against narcoterrorism and discusses earthquake reconstruction. Anti-ELN/Anti-armed Groups Pressure: Colombia reports a soldier killed and two wounded by a minefield on the Pan-American highway, while separate incidents highlight ongoing guerrilla-linked drone and attack risks. Cross-border Crime Cooperation: Ireland’s Gardaí and Colombian police sign a cooperation deal aimed at disrupting the Kinahan cartel network. Maritime Drug Crackdowns: The US Southern Command sinks another Ecuadorian vessel it says supports Los Choneros, continuing a rapid campaign against trafficking logistics in the Pacific. Economy Watch: Colombia’s inflation edges up in August to 6.24% year-on-year, with monthly gains led by recreation, information/communication, and food. Local Business Stress: A strong dollar squeeze is blamed for closures of four fruit exporters tied to ANALDEX, hitting avocado and cape gooseberry firms. Governance & Rights: A leaked plan on “Urban Security Blocs” and possible gun legalization sparks backlash and paramilitary comparisons. Diplomacy Appointment: Alejandro Ordonez Maldonado is confirmed as Colombia’s ambassador to the OAS.

Earthquake Response & Governance: President Abelardo de la Espriella’s first month has been dominated by the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, with emergency measures and a push to rebuild in places like Chocó, where business leaders joined the government to map a recovery roadmap. Human Rights & Civilian Protection: Colombia’s ombudsman Iris Marin clashed with the government after criticizing the president for walking among bodies of people killed in a military operation, while courts moved to suspend airstrikes when minors may be present. Security & Armed Conflict: The military reported new clashes and drone attacks involving the ELN and FARC dissidents, including deaths of soldiers and alleged guerrilla commanders, alongside claims that ELN leadership is operating from Venezuela. Volcano Watch: Puracé in Cauca stayed on orange alert after continued seismic activity and ash emissions. International Cooperation on Crime: Ireland’s Gardaí and Colombia’s police signed a cooperation pact to share intelligence and target the cocaine trade. Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a South America tour including meetings in Bogotá focused on security, trade, and disaster-relief coordination. Politics: Roy Barreras announced his retirement from politics after a failed bid for the presidency.

Sudan Peace & Arms Control: A new op-ed argues the UN Security Council must act decisively to expand a weapons embargo to curb atrocities and the worst humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Colombia Security & Politics: President Abelardo de la Espriella’s crackdown on illegal armed groups is drawing backlash after he appeared alongside bodies of people killed in operations, with the Ombudswoman and others questioning the message and legality. Colombia Rebel Violence: Colombia says a drone attack killed three soldiers in the northeast, while separate reporting highlights continued military pressure on FARC dissidents, including claims of deaths in Nariño. Legal Limits on Airstrikes: Colombian courts ordered temporary suspension of bombings when minors may be present, adding pressure to how intelligence is used in combat. Diplomacy & Migration: The US announced new steps affecting immigration enforcement, while Colombia-linked political figures face scrutiny over deportation politics. Economy & Energy: Colombia moves to reverse the fracking ban and eye new oil investment, as the government seeks to attract billions despite security and regulatory hurdles. Sports Economy: Colombia’s sports sector hit 1.15% of GDP in 2024, with football, betting, media, and tourism driving growth.

Security & Armed Conflict: Colombia’s new hardline push against the ELN escalated after a drone swarm attack hit the El Trapiche military post in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, killing three soldiers and injuring four; authorities say at least 20 explosive-laden UAVs were used, and President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed to intensify operations. Counter-Insurgency & Dissidents: In Nariño, the government reported the deaths of seven FARC dissidents from the “Franco Benavides” front during military operations in El Peñol, alongside captures and seized weapons and materials. Political Controversy: Former President Gustavo Petro criticized the killing of “Bendito Menor” (Nain Andres Perez Toncel), a dissident leader, after the operation sparked public debate over how security forces operate. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Venezuela and Colombia signed a 25-year energy investment deal, while Venezuela also agreed a separate 25-year oil-sector pact with Colombian businessman Jaime Gilinski. Public Safety & Data: Colombia’s “Aman” automated system for domestic violence cases reported successful tracking of 14,515 cases, with expanded partnerships and plans to broaden coverage across governorates. Bogotá Education: A Bogotá public school in Bosa cut bullying to zero and sharply reduced coexistence incidents by shifting toward emotional well-being, peer-led conflict resolution, and dialogue.

Security Crackdown: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vowed tougher action after an ELN drone swarm attack on the El Trapiche military post in Ocaña (Norte de Santander) killed three soldiers and injured four, with authorities saying at least 20 explosive-laden UAVs were used. Military Operations: The Defense Ministry announced a restructured “Esparta” phase centered in Ocaña to monitor corridors used by armed groups and to tighten intelligence, counterintelligence, and judicialization. Legal Limits on Force: In Bogotá, a second judge temporarily ordered a suspension of bombings where minors may be present, following an earlier ruling that requires precautionary measures when children could be involved. Regional Cooperation: Panama and Colombia welcomed Ecuador into an electrical interconnection project, while leaders also discussed joint efforts against organized crime and drug trafficking. Biodiversity Monitoring: Colombia launched the OTUS camera-trap network to expand wildlife data and support conservation decisions across regions.

ELN Drone Attacks: Colombia’s army says explosives dropped from drones in Ocaña (Norte de Santander) killed at least three soldiers and wounded four, with President Abelardo de la Espriella vowing tougher action against the ELN. Peace Talks Roll Back: De la Espriella ordered an end to dialogue with ELN dissidents “Comuneros del Sur” and “Paisa combos,” revoking negotiators and spokesperson roles while also moving to challenge a court order that would restrict airstrikes where children may be present. Local Security Line in the Sand: At a governors’ summit in Mompox, the president told mayors and governors they cannot negotiate or contact illegal armed groups, warning of legal consequences—an apparent direct rebuke to critics in Nariño. U.S.-Colombia Security Push: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Colombia next week to discuss earthquake response, trade, and the shared fight against “narcoterrorism,” as Washington deepens regional cooperation. Biodiversity Monitoring Upgrade: Colombia is consolidating a nationwide camera-trap network (OTUS) to improve wildlife data and support conservation decisions.

ELN Drone Attack: Colombia’s Defense Ministry reported at least two soldiers dead and five injured after ELN-linked drone explosives hit an Army cantonment in Ocaña, Norte de Santander, with damage also reaching a police station in El Carmen. Judicial Limits on Strikes: A judge ordered the government to suspend bombings where minors may be present, as authorities say six minors have been killed in airstrikes since President Abelardo de la Espriella took office. US Security Push: The US State Department issued an alert over elevated ELN drone-attack risk in Cesar ahead of Marco Rubio’s visit to Colombia, alongside reports of sustained US operations in Colombia and Ecuador. Digital Safety for Minors: MinTIC will create a weekly working group with major platforms to monitor and remove content used to recruit minors, following Human Rights Watch findings. Labor & AI Exposure: A Colombian cities association study says 48.1% of urban workers are in jobs highly exposed to AI, with women and young people most affected. Post-Quake Recovery: Qatar delivered a field hospital for earthquake-affected areas, while UNGRD figures show hundreds dead and missing after the Chocó quake. Energy & Business: Ecopetrol is replacing five vice presidents amid an executive overhaul; LATAM expanded its Medellín base; and Erco Energía raised $129M in a Series C. Politics & Accountability: Former President Álvaro Uribe denied responsibility for 1990s massacres and a human rights defender’s killing ahead of a hearing.

Humanitarian Response: A Qatari Armed Forces aircraft delivered a fully equipped field hospital to Colombia to support earthquake victims, with Qatar’s search-and-rescue team helping equip and deploy it for urgent care. Judicial-Executive Clash: A Bogotá family court temporarily bars airstrikes against armed groups when reliable information suggests minors may be present, setting up a direct fight with President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government, which calls the ruling unconstitutional. Security & Politics: The president sparked outrage after posting video of body bags from an Amazon operation against alleged guerrillas, drawing condemnation over “necropolitics” and humanity concerns. US Partnership Push: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to deepen cooperation on earthquake response and counter–drug trafficking efforts. Trade & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador warned that future Chinese investment in Colombia will depend heavily on Bogotá’s foreign-policy choices toward both China and the US. Culture in Bogotá: The 15th International Sacred Music Festival opens at Teatro Colón under “La Concordia,” expanding across Colombia and into 2027.

Court Limits Bombings: A Bogotá family court ordered President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government to temporarily suspend offensive airstrikes against guerrilla targets when there is information that recruited minors may be present, after strikes in Guaviare killed dozens including teenagers. Judicial Oversight: The same court system provisionally suspended passport-production agreements from Petro-era arrangements but ordered passport services to continue without interruption. Security Cooperation: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Colombia next week to meet President De la Espriella, with talks expected to focus on security, trade, and regional cooperation. Armed-Group Risk in Cesar: The U.S. Embassy in Colombia issued an “elevated risk” alert for attacks by illegal armed groups in Cesar, warning of possible drone attacks and travel restrictions. Digital Rights & Children: UNICEF reported that 1 in 5 children (about 20 million) across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse. Global Disaster Law: States are pushing a new UN treaty to set rules for international disaster response, aiming to reduce gaps in sovereignty and human-rights protections.

Sudan War: A UN-backed fact-finding mission says foreign recruitment networks and external backers are sustaining Sudan’s civil war, including drone support and weapons transfers that have expanded attacks on civilians. Colombian Security Shift: President Abelardo de la Espriella orders immigration enforcement and begins deportation operations this week, signaling a tougher line than prior administrations. Extraditions Accelerate: The government also reactivates extraditions to the United States, framing peace talks as no refuge for criminals and moving quickly on cases approved earlier. Education Overhaul: Colombia’s education minister resigned after less than a month, and De la Espriella appointed a replacement tied to the administration’s culture-war agenda. Earthquake Response: Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with the Colombian president to offer prayers and solidarity after the Aug. 10 earthquake that hit Chocó and other western regions. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children across 21 countries experience online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with most abuse facilitated through social media. Bogotá Tech & Society: Colombia’s armed groups are using TikTok and Facebook to recruit children, raising new concerns for youth protection and enforcement.

UN Probe on Sudan: A UN fact-finding mission says foreign weapons, drones, fighters, and logistics are helping sustain Sudan’s war and may be linked to attacks that could amount to war crimes. Child Safety Online: UNICEF estimates 20 million children ages 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with most cases never reported to authorities. Colombia–Venezuela Energy: Chevron says it will invest $7bn in Venezuela over five years, aiming to more than double output to 600,000 bpd, with GeoPark and Eni also expanding. Bogotá Legal Ruling: Colombia’s Constitutional Court orders the UNP to publicly apologize over statements that exceeded freedom of expression in the protection case of murdered senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. Public Finance Pressure: Colombia’s finance minister warns fiscal adjustment is urgent, warning debt risks could trigger recession. Security & Borders: U.S. CBP seized nearly $3m in cocaine at Texas bridges tied to Colombia. Local Governance: Colombia’s Council of State sets limits on protests that use road blockades, citing harm to property and economic activity. Bogotá Environment: A report finds traces of cocaine and related chemicals in water systems serving 11.8 million people across five cities, including Bogotá.

Religious Freedom Ruling: Colombia’s Evangelical Confederation (CEDECOL) backed Pastor Eduardo Cañas after a court said prayer during President Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration breached the state’s duty of religious neutrality, calling the case “censorship” and arguing the participation was a legitimate invocation of peace. Bogotá Metro: Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed Line 1 will start carrying passengers on March 15, 2028, with the project now over 80% complete and focused on final works and system testing. Public Order Law: A new “Ley Anticapuchos” bill would create a crime for people who conceal their identities to commit vandalism during protests, while stressing that covering one’s face alone would not be criminal. Security & U.S. Alliance: The U.S. and Colombia are moving toward a joint military agenda targeting Pacific drug routes and the Ecuador border, with operations aimed at disrupting trafficking networks. Earthquake Solidarity: Pope Leo XIV called President de la Espriella to express solidarity after the Aug. 10 7.4 quake, citing support for families, the injured, and rescuers. Education Policy: Bogotá’s draft rules would restrict cellphone use across the school day, with age- and grade-based limits. Humanitarian Aid: Netflix pledged about US$186,000 to support Colombian film and TV workers affected by the earthquake via local industry groups. Energy Deals: Chevron announced a $7 billion plan to double Venezuela output over five years, as U.S. officials push new investment.

Justice Watch: Colombia’s Prosecutor’s Office moves to charge Laura Sarabia, Petro’s former right-hand woman, over alleged abuse of public office and aggravated unlawful coercion tied to events dating to early 2023, with a court appearance set for Sept. 14. Migration & Rights: President Abelardo de la Espriella orders nationwide operations to locate and deport irregular migrants, with Venezuelans most affected, raising concerns about reversal of Colombia’s displacement approach and risks to people still seeking protection. Security & Violence: A car bomb near a police station on the Colombia–Venezuela border killed one and injured 11, as authorities continue operations against armed groups and dissidents. Armed Conflict: Colombia’s government says it has carried out airstrikes against guerrillas, reporting 20 alleged fighters killed, while separate reports highlight ongoing recruitment of children via social media. Local Economy: MicroSourcing inaugurates its first Latin America delivery center in Bogotá, expanding nearshore services and hiring capacity for global clients. Health & Industry: Knight Therapeutics announces INVIMA approval in Colombia for TAVALISSE for chronic immune thrombocytopenia, signaling new treatment access.