AGP Executive Report

Shield of the Americas: Colombia’s VP José Manuel Restrepo backs Trump’s regional security alliance but says operations inside Colombia will be carried out by Colombian forces, not U.S. troops, as the coalition moves to label 24 cartel-linked groups “terrorist.” Diplomacy Shock: Colombia severed ties with Iran and designated the IRGC a terrorist group; Iran rejected the claims and vowed measures in response. Local Politics: Tension is rising in Colombia after President Abelardo de la Espriella vetoed Andi boss Bruce Mac Master, triggering a crisis inside the business association. UN & Human Rights: UN experts warned Colombia that anti-drug and security policies risk reinforcing systemic racism against Afro-Colombians. Bogotá Culture: Artists and cultural workers protested in Bogotá against a proposed 30% cut to the 2027 cultural budget and the suspension of national arts awards. Sports (Colombia): Ronal Longa won 200m gold at the South American Games in Santa Fe, while Colombia’s Falconets advanced then crashed out after a late defeat to Colombia.

Santa Marta Security Crisis: The U.S. issued a security alert for Santa Marta and nearby areas in Magdalena and La Guajira after an armed group, Los Pachencas (ACSN), imposed a 72-hour transport blockade, curfews, and shutdowns, with reports of vehicle burnings and intimidation of businesses. Cartel Crackdown in Ecuador Linked to Colombia: U.S.-backed Ecuadorian raids with DEA and U.S. Southern Command arrested 30+ people tied to Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel, alleging cocaine routes from Colombia through Ecuador to Central America, the U.S., and Europe. Bogotá Governance Watch: A new controversy highlights gaps in Colombia’s vetting of senior officials, with cases involving allegedly falsified academic credentials resurfacing across administrations. UN Security Council Reform: A 12-country group including Colombia opposed creating new permanent UN Security Council seats, backing expanded elected membership instead. Public Health Alert: Colombia’s hygiene institute warned of counterfeit Opdivo (nivolumab) units (batch ACT5594), urging providers and the public not to use them. Culture in Bogotá: UnFair 2026 is turning Bogotá’s Hotel Tequendama into a free, route-style contemporary art fair running through Sunday alongside ARTBO.

Santa Marta Security Crackdown: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered troops into Santa Marta after gunmen attacked shops and set vehicles on fire, triggering business closures and a near standstill as the Conquering Self-Defense Forces of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN) retaliated following the killing of 13 members. Public Health Alert: Colombia’s Rafael Rangel National Institute of Hygiene warned of counterfeit OPDIVO (nivolumab) units in Venezuela, including batch irregularities and altered labeling that could undermine sterility and effectiveness. UNGA Diplomacy: Netanyahu is set for a brief UN General Assembly visit in New York, with plans to meet Colombia’s vice president among others, while protests are expected. Regional Security Bloc: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition announced coordinated sanctions targeting 24 groups labeled narco-terrorist, including Colombia among signatories. Tourism Demand: Colombia welcomed 20,113 Nordic travelers in 2025, nearly quadruple 2020, with Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin leading arrivals. Colombia in Global Spotlight: Josseidy Escalona, representing Colombia, won Miss Global International 2026, celebrating her J’can roots from San Andrés.

Bogotá & Colombia in Focus: ICJ/Israel: Colombia formally withdrew its intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, ending its role as an intervening state while stressing it remains bound by the genocide convention. Security in Santa Marta: An uneasy calm returned to Santa Marta after President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the militarization of the city amid threats tied to the “Los Pachenca” group, following the killing of “Cholo” in a rural operation. Health & Public Safety: Veteran journalist Yamid Amat remains in critical ICU condition in Bogotá. Environment: El Niño heat is worsening across Colombia’s Caribbean, driving more dehydration and heat-related medical visits as drought strains water and electricity. Invasive Species: The government announced a new action plan to curb the spread of hippos in the Magdalena River basin. Regional Crime Crackdown: Colombia is part of the “Shield of the Americas” push to sanction and target narco-terrorist groups across the hemisphere. Energy/Industry: Glencore’s Cerrejón coal mine reported a sixth rail attack this year, suspending rail operations while production continues.

Caribbean Security Crackdown: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered troops into Santa Marta after an armed group attacked shops and burned vehicles, following the killing of 13 members linked to the ACSN gang that controls cocaine routes. Health System Pressure: The government launched an emergency plan to “unlock care” amid a surge in complaints over access to medicines, appointments, and services, citing 1.2 million complaints in early 2026. ICJ Move: Colombia withdrew its Article 63 intervention in South Africa’s Gaza genocide case against Israel, saying the step doesn’t change the case’s proceedings. Regional Anti-Crime Push: At the UN General Assembly, the US-backed “Shield of the Americas” gathered allies to target 24 “narco-terrorist” groups with asset freezes and visa restrictions, with Colombia among signatories. El Niño Warning: Scientists warn El Niño could reach record intensity and trigger extreme heat linked to an estimated 451,000 additional deaths by early 2027. Bogotá Culture: Artists protested culture cuts in Bogotá, while BibloRed marked its 25th anniversary.

Colombia–U.S. Justice: A Miami federal court hearing advanced the 2021 assassination case of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse, with a former Haitian justice official and 17 others—described by U.S. authorities as Colombian mercenaries—appearing after being flown from Haiti. Bogotá Court History: A separate Miami report revisits the 1985 Palace of Justice death of magistrate Carlos Horacio Urán Rojas, where family claims of torture and execution by military custody have long challenged the original “crossfire” account. Renewables & Investment: Patria Investments and Ashmore Colombia agreed to sell the 360 MW Puerta de Oro solar park to ISAGEN, a deal pending Colombia’s antimonopoly regulator and expected to close by end-2026. Energy Markets: The U.S. dollar in Colombia climbed back above 3,200 pesos, reaching about 3,211 as the peso faces renewed pressure. Security & Violence: In Santa Marta’s Magdalena region, the ACSN crime group shut parts of the area and called a 48-hour “armed strike” after armed forces killed its commander “Cholo.”

Wildfire Emergency in Villa de Leyva: Colombia declared a public calamity as a fast-moving wildfire near Villa de Leyva in Boyacá burned about 290 hectares, forced evacuations of residents and hotel guests, and threatened the nearby Iguaque Nature Reserve; around 400 responders are battling the blaze amid strong winds and dry El Niño conditions, with roughly half the fire reported under control. HIV Prevention Access Expands: PAHO and Gilead announced a new route to procure lenacapavir for long-acting HIV prevention across 14 countries, including Colombia, aiming to broaden PrEP options where new infections remain high. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers say hackers exploited two actively used WordPress flaws (CVE-2026-63030 and CVE-2026-60137) to steal thousands of records, with reported targets including Colombia. Diplomacy & Rights: Colombia withdrew from the Equal Rights Coalition, ending its participation in a major LGBTIQ+ rights alliance, while Israel’s foreign minister publicly thanked Colombia for withdrawing its intervention in South Africa’s ICJ case.

Bogotá Entertainment Deal: BeatHub bought out Chile’s BeLive to take 100% control of Colombiana de Escenarios, the operator of Bogotá’s Movistar Arena, leaving the venue’s concession with the city’s IDRD and setting up more than 160 events expected in 2026. Wildfire Emergency (Villa de Leyva): A fast-moving blaze around Villa de Leyva forced evacuations and damaged a hotel; authorities reported about 290 hectares affected and said the fire was roughly half contained as winds complicated firefighting. Heritage Under Pressure (Bogotá): English-style houses in Chapinero were demolished to clear the way for new development, reigniting debate over how Bogotá protects architectural heritage. Public Health Alert (Yellow Fever): Colombia confirmed 58 lab-confirmed yellow fever cases and 27 deaths in 2026 so far; the CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice urging enhanced precautions and vaccination timing. Security & Conflict (Meta): Colombian Army patrols were hit in Meta in attacks attributed to FARC dissidents, with at least three soldiers killed and others injured. Diplomacy (UN): Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo led Colombia’s UN General Assembly delegation in New York, pairing diplomacy with an investment push. International Justice (Haiti): 18 suspects tied to the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse appeared in U.S. federal court in Miami after transfers from Haiti. Tech & Cybersecurity: Kaspersky warned of a new malware campaign spreading via torrent trackers disguised as popular films, with victims including Colombia.

U-20 Women’s World Cup: Colombia edged Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals in Łódź, with Valerin Loboa scoring in stoppage time after Nigeria were reduced to 10 players; Nigeria’s Falconets exit on a narrow loss despite chances and a strong effort. Sports Governance: Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu is urging the Ghana Football Association to publish Carlos Queiroz’s contract terms, saying the lack of details makes it impossible to judge his mandate fairly. International Justice: The U.S. has begun extraditing 18 suspects accused in the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse to Florida for trial, with Colombia monitoring the transfer of Colombian citizens. Local Culture & Business: BeatHub has acquired the remaining stake in Bogotá’s Movistar Arena, securing full ownership of one of Colombia’s main concert venues. Human Rights & Policy: Colombia’s president Abelardo de la Espriella denies a “policy of revenge” against the peace tribunal (JEP) as a bill proposes cutting its budget.

U-20 Women’s World Cup: Colombia’s Falconets stunned Nigeria 1-0 in a quarter-final in Poland, with Valerin Loboa scoring deep into stoppage time after Nigeria were reduced to 10 players. The win sends Colombia into the semi-finals and ends Nigeria’s run. Bogotá Metro Diplomacy: Chinese Ambassador Zhu Jingyang pushed back on former mayor Enrique Peñalosa, saying the Line 1 visit was not a “gift” or a claim of Chinese ownership, but part of standard support for a major public-private project. Wildfire in Boyacá: A fast-moving forest fire near Villa de Leyva has threatened the tourist town, with authorities deploying aircraft and firefighters as flames spread across roughly 70 hectares. U.S. Caribbean Strike: The U.S. military says it killed four people in a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, as part of its ongoing anti-trafficking operations. El Niño Health Risks: PAHO warns El Niño is strengthening and could drive drought, food insecurity, wildfires, and health impacts across the Americas.

U-20 Women’s World Cup (Bogotá angle): Colombia’s Falconets are set for a quarter-final showdown with Nigeria today, with the winner moving toward a semi-final spot in Poland; Nigeria arrives after a 3-0 win over England, while Colombia edged through the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over hosts Poland. El Niño & wildfires: Colombia is under worsening heat conditions as El Niño strengthens, with Ideam reporting 341 municipalities on vegetation-fire alert and 83 on red alert as of Sept. 18, including major activity in Tolima and a large blaze in Cali’s Alto Menga hills. Security & drugs (regional): The U.S. military carried out a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, killing four; the Pentagon says it targeted known routes, but did not provide proof the vessel was carrying drugs. Local sports (Colombia in spotlight): A Bogota-born player, Mariana Pinzon, advanced to quarterfinals at the Hofstra Invitational in New York.

Drug War in the Region: Ecuador police seized 1.35 tons of cocaine in a night operation using explosives to destroy an underground stash near Manta, with officials valuing the haul at $45–64 million as curfews target organized crime and Ecuador’s role as a cocaine transit route from Colombia and Peru. Tech for Security at Borders: The UAE says it’s helping Ecuador deploy an AI border system (EDGE) to flag suspicious movements, with plans to expand to key crossings including Rumichaca on the Colombia border. Bogotá Transparency Fight: A Bogotá judge ordered Colombia’s Defense Ministry to fully disclose records on President Abelardo de la Espriella’s early presidential flights within 48 hours after an opposition lawmaker said the first response was incomplete. U-20 Women’s World Cup (Colombia vs Nigeria): Nigeria’s federation denied Falconets training boycott rumors ahead of their quarter-final vs Colombia, insisting the team is heading to its final session. Migration Snapshot: New U.S. federal data shows many Colombians released after crossing the Mexican border initially reported destinations including Aurora, Colorado, and New York’s Queens. Travel Perk for Colombians: The U.S. added Colombia to its Global Entry partner list, allowing faster airport immigration clearance for eligible travelers.

Diplomacy & Investment: Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo heads to New York for the UN General Assembly to pitch 100 investment projects, with energy and infrastructure leading the portfolio. Post-Earthquake Politics: Colombia’s Senate debates the 2027 budget amid criticism that housing and reconstruction funding is far too low after the Aug. 10 earthquake. Foreign Ministry Update: Colombia says passport production will continue after a court halt, using “manifest urgency” to keep services running without interruptions. Security & Migration: A U.S. appeals court blocks parts of Trump’s “third-country” deportation approach, requiring detainees a meaningful chance to contest removals. Local Impact Abroad: Wisconsin police arrested a Colombian man on child sex-crime charges. Sports (Colombia in focus): Colombia’s U-20 women set for a quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the World Cup after grinding wins. Culture & Community: Inter Miami CF’s foundation held a Colombia youth clinic in Florida to support earthquake-affected communities.

Humanitarian Response in Chocó: The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has launched an emergency appeal for $14.83 million to support a 12-month plan for earthquake-hit San José del Palmar in Chocó, aiming to assist 370,000 people and prioritize women’s health, pregnant women, and the restoration of nearly 400 damaged health centers. Transitional Justice: Colombia’s JEP has summoned Sandra Ramirez to give a voluntary statement in Case 07, tied to allegations of FARC recruitment and use of minors, as part of the peace-justice investigation. LGBTQ+ Foreign Policy Shift: Colombia has left the international Equal Rights Coalition, a move criticized as a setback for LGBTIQ+ rights and commitments abroad. Security and Conflict Context: Separate reporting highlights how the earthquake response is unfolding amid armed conflict, poverty, and displacement pressures in the region. Bogotá/Colombia Business Links: DHL is expanding its Colombia operations via an Open Market deal, signaling continued logistics investment tied to regional trade.

U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets crushed England 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals, with Christiana Uzoma starring and goals by Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu; they’ll face Colombia next after Colombia edged Poland 1-0, and captain Juana Ortegon says the team is now focused on Nigeria. Colombia Squad Update: Néstor Lorenzo named 11 uncapped players for Colombia’s friendlies in the U.S. against Mexico, Paraguay and Peru; Luis Díaz was rested and James Rodríguez retired from international football. Security & Conflict: Colombia’s Ombudsman reports drone attacks by armed groups jumped 146% in early 2026, killing 21 and wounding 145, including children. Health Policy Debate: Colombia’s “Laura Law” would bar puberty blockers, gender-affirming hormones and certain procedures for minors, sparking a new national rights and child-protection fight. Pensions Warning: Colombia’s labor minister says Colpensiones lacks funds to pay pensions for November and December, citing a major deficit. Tech & Crime: A Windows malware campaign called MovieReaper spreads via pirated movie torrents, with victims reported including Colombia.

Drug Policy & U.S.-Colombia Scrutiny: The U.S. lists Colombia among major drug transit/producing countries for fiscal year 2027, saying it “failed demonstrably” in the prior 12 months, while Brazil pushes back on similar Trump claims, arguing it has stepped up anti-gang efforts. Local Courts & Child Protection: A Bogotá family court set strict conditions on Colombia’s military air strikes when minors linked to forced recruitment may be present, requiring tighter verification and less harmful alternatives. Water & Energy Watch: As El Niño intensifies, Colombia’s reservoirs sit near 80% capacity overall, but regional gaps could still strain water supply and hydroelectric generation. Bogotá Neighborhood Spotlight: Time Out named Chapinero Alto among the world’s 100 coolest neighborhoods, praising its mix of culture, LGBTQ+ community, and food scene. Tech & AI Growth: Colombian firm Axiacore became an OpenAI Select Partner, aiming to help businesses deploy AI beyond pilots. Sports (Colombia in the spotlight): Colombia’s James Rodríguez announced his international retirement after 15 years, while local football coverage highlights big-name returns and the debate over what they mean for the league. Business & Infrastructure: Colombia also moved to expand arbitration options for state-contract disputes, offering companies faster enforcement routes.