The United States is expanding its campaign against drug cartels across Latin America as Colombia joins the U.S.-led Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia has authorised joint military operations targeting terrorist organisations and narco-terror networks.

Hegseth also signalled a more aggressive approach to cartel networks, comparing the planned campaign with tactics used against ISIS and al-Qaeda. The latest move could significantly deepen military and intelligence cooperation between Washington and Bogotá.

U.S. Leads New Anti-Cartel Bloc, as Hegseth Vows 'ISIS-Style' Ops Against Cartels

A powerful earthquake of 7.4 magnitude struck Colombia on Monday, with tremors being felt in the capital Bogota and across several parts of the country. The Colombian government has declared a national emergency after widespread damage caused by the earthquake.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said&nbsp;the death toll from the earthquake has now reached 111.&nbsp;At least 87 others were injured, and 61 buildings collapsed in cities across western Colombia, he said, noting the rescue of survivors was his priority. The Colombian president said he will personally oversee recovery efforts. The quake was so powerful that it was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador.&nbsp;Early reports had pegged the casualties at ⁠20, and claimed that 20 buildings had collapsed after the earthquake. Several people are trapped in collapsed buildings, and the toll may go up.&nbsp;Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20&nbsp;⁠buildings&nbsp;⁠collapsed in the&nbsp;⁠Colombian city of Cali, with people trapped inside. The city has requested teams from Bogota and&nbsp;⁠Medellin to aid in rescue efforts, he added.&nbsp;In the town of Pereira, 18 people were killed and others were trapped in buildings that collapsed, said Mayor Mauricio Salazar.&nbsp;&nbsp;Two people were killed in Manizales, Mmayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas said in a radio interview.&nbsp;Choco governor Nubia Córdoba said on social media that “there are injuries and serious damage to buildings” in the regional capital, without providing further details.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-protesters-enter-assembly-premises-brave-lathicharge-tear-gas-cid-arrests-ex-jpsc-chief-1786365290272">Jharkhand protesters enter assembly premises, brave lathicharge, tear gas; CID arrests ex-JPSC chief</a>&nbsp;Damage was reported at the airports of Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. Air operations at these terminals remain suspended for safety reasons until structural damage to the infrastructure is assessed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the earthquake was of 7.4 magnitude and occurred at a depth of approximately 115 kilometres.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colombia’s Geological Service issued a lower preliminary estimate, measuring the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 and a depth of 82 kilometres. It placed the epicentre near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s western Chocó department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> Footage has begun to resurface following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia. <a href="https://t.co/4P1b8lQ8sH">https://t.co/4P1b8lQ8sH</a> <a href="https://t.co/DKdpNnuVRC">pic.twitter.com/DKdpNnuVRC</a>&mdash; Global OSINT (@GlobalOSINTHQ) <a href="https://x.com/GlobalOSINTHQ/status/2086800811036721543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The earthquake’s magnitude was also measured differently by the US Tsunami Warning System, which put it at 7.1. It said there was no tsunami warning after the quake struck Colombia. The tremor was felt in several parts of Colombia, including areas far from the epicentre. Early reports said shaking was felt beyond Colombia, including towards the Venezuela border.&nbsp;The magnitude estimates are preliminary and may be revised as seismic agencies analyse additional data.&nbsp;The quake struck at around 7.34 am local time and was felt in Bogotá, Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Meta and other areas, according to local reports.&nbsp;Emergency authorities activated response and prevention protocols while assessing whether the earthquake caused casualties or significant damage.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-pm-restates-request-for-hasina-extradition-in-talks-with-indian-envoy-1786373569990">Bangladesh PM restates request for Hasina extradition in talks with Indian envoy</a>&nbsp;Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said the earthquake caused injuries and significant damage to buildings in the departmental capital, Quibdo. She said authorities were assessing the damage and warned of possible aftershocks.&nbsp;"We have just experienced a major earthquake in the department of Choco. We are concerned about aftershocks. Although the epicentre was near San Jose del Palmar, there are injuries and significant damage to buildings in the capital, Quibdo. We are already carrying out a damage assessment and will issue the first official report shortly," Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said in a post on X.&nbsp;Colombia is one of the most seismically active countries in South America. Earthquakes can occur across different parts of Colombia due to its location near several tectonic plate boundaries and major fault systems. As per the Colombian Geological Service, the country recorded more than 100 destructive earthquakes, particularly in the Andean region, the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera and the Pacific region.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the earthquake was of 7.4 magnitude and occurred at a depth of approximately 115 kilometres. Colombia’s Geological Service issued a lower preliminary estimate, measuring the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 and a depth of 82 kilometres.

A powerful earthquake of 7.4 magnitude struck Colombia on Monday, with tremors being felt in the capital Bogota and across several parts of the country. The Colombian government has declared a national emergency after widespread damage caused by the earthquake. Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said the death toll from the earthquake has now reached 111. At least 87 others were injured, and 61 buildings collapsed in cities across western Colombia, he said, noting the rescue of survivors was his priority. The Colombian president said he will personally oversee recovery efforts. The quake was so powerful that it was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador. Early reports had pegged the casualties at ⁠20, and claimed that 20 buildings had collapsed after the earthquake. Several people are trapped in collapsed buildings, and the toll may go up. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 ⁠buildings ⁠collapsed in the ⁠Colombian city of Cali, with people trapped inside. The city has requested teams from Bogota and ⁠Medellin to aid in rescue efforts, he added. In the town of Pereira, 18 people were killed and others were trapped in buildings that collapsed, said Mayor Mauricio Salazar. Two people were killed in Manizales, Mmayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas said in a radio interview. Choco governor Nubia Córdoba said on social media that “there are injuries and serious damage to buildings” in the regional capital, without providing further details. Also Read: Jharkhand protesters enter assembly premises, brave lathicharge, tear gas; CID arrests ex-JPSC chief Damage was reported at the airports of Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. Air operations at these terminals remain suspended for safety reasons until structural damage to the infrastructure is assessed. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the earthquake was of 7.4 magnitude and occurred at a depth of approximately 115 kilometres. Colombia’s Geological Service issued a lower preliminary estimate, measuring the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 and a depth of 82 kilometres. It placed the epicentre near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s western Chocó department.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the earthquake was of 7.4 magnitude and occurred at a depth of approximately 115 kilometres. Colombia’s Geological Service issued a lower preliminary estimate, measuring the earthquake at magnitude 6.7 and a depth of 82 kilometres.

At least 111 killed as powerful quake of 7.4 magnitude jolts Colombia; dozens of buildings collapse

Colombian authorities seized over 3.1 tons of cocaine hydrochloride during a major anti-narcotics operation in the Caribbean Sea. The Colombian Navy intercepted a speedboat carrying five suspects and confiscated cocaine worth more than $120 million, believed to be destined for Central America. Officials say the operation deals a major blow to transnational drug trafficking networks operating across the region.

Colombia seizes 3.1 tons of cocaine worth $120 million | major Caribbean drug bust

Colombia seizes 3.1 tons of cocaine worth $120 million | Major Caribbean drug bust

At least four miners have lost their lives after an explosion occurred at a coal mine in Colombia on Sunday (May 10, 2026), where a similar incident claimed the lives of nine people a week ago, according to a senior official.&nbsp;"The four miners who were trapped in the #LasQuintas mine" in the municipality of Cucunuba were discovered dead, Jorge Emilio Rey, governor of the Cundinamarca department, confirmed on social media.<h3>Nine coal miners die in a gas explosion</h3>Similarly, nine people lost their lives in an explosion at a coal mine in Colombia a week ago. Following the incident, emergency workers confirmed that they had rescued six miners from the shafts in Sutatausa, north of the capital, Bogotá.&nbsp;Colombia’s national mining agency stated that the explosion, which occurred at 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Monday, was likely triggered by a build-up of gases inside the mine. The agency also released a list of safety recommendations previously issued to the mine operators following an inspection conducted less than a month earlier, during which officials had warned about a “potentially dangerous gas accumulation.”&nbsp;Many mines in Colombia operate informally and often lack adequate safety measures. Regional fire department captain Álvaro Farfán said rescue teams were continuing efforts to recover the bodies of the miners, while survivors were receiving treatment in the hospital. Mining accidents remain a frequent occurrence in Colombia.&nbsp;In July last year, 18 workers were rescued from an illegal gold mine after being trapped underground for 18 hours following a mechanical malfunction. One of the most fatal recent mining disasters also took place in Sutatausa in 2023, when an explosion ripped through a network of coal mine tunnels, killing 21 people.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-fresh-drone-attacks-across-gulf-after-threatening-us-1778412340717">Iran launches fresh drone attacks across Gulf after threatening US</a>

An explosion at a Colombian coal mine on Sunday has left at least four miners dead. The incident occurred at the same place where nine people died during the explosion a week ago.

At least four miners have lost their lives after an explosion occurred at a coal mine in Colombia on Sunday (May 10, 2026), where a similar incident claimed the lives of nine people a week ago, according to a senior official. "The four miners who were trapped in the #LasQuintas mine" in the municipality of Cucunuba were discovered dead, Jorge Emilio Rey, governor of the Cundinamarca department, confirmed on social media. Nine coal miners die in a gas explosion Similarly, nine people lost their lives in an explosion at a coal mine in Colombia a week ago. Following the incident, emergency workers confirmed that they had rescued six miners from the shafts in Sutatausa, north of the capital, Bogotá. Colombia’s national mining agency stated that the explosion, which occurred at 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Monday, was likely triggered by a build-up of gases inside the mine. The agency also released a list of safety recommendations previously issued to the mine operators following an inspection conducted less than a month earlier, during which officials had warned about a “potentially dangerous gas accumulation.” Many mines in Colombia operate informally and often lack adequate safety measures. Regional fire department captain Álvaro Farfán said rescue teams were continuing efforts to recover the bodies of the miners, while survivors were receiving treatment in the hospital. Mining accidents remain a frequent occurrence in Colombia. In July last year, 18 workers were rescued from an illegal gold mine after being trapped underground for 18 hours following a mechanical malfunction. One of the most fatal recent mining disasters also took place in Sutatausa in 2023, when an explosion ripped through a network of coal mine tunnels, killing 21 people. Also read: Iran launches fresh drone attacks across Gulf after threatening US

An explosion at a Colombian coal mine on Sunday has left at least four miners dead. The incident occurred at the same place where nine people died during the explosion a week ago.

At least four dead after blast rocks Colombian coal mine

Colombia is preparing to cull dozens of hippos, descendants of the four brought in by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. The animals are roaming freely in the region today and threaten villagers, who are also at risk of being displaced. The so-called "cocaine hippos" have become a menace, and all efforts to control their population have failed. Environment Minister Irene Vélez said they have tried neutering some of the animals or moving them to zoos, but these methods have proven expensive and have failed. She added that the proposal to kill these hippos will affect nearly 80 animals. No definite timeline has been provided yet for the measure. "If we don't do this, we will not be able to control the population," Vélez said. “We have to take this action to preserve our ecosystems.”<h2>Escobar's hippos declared an invasive species in Colombia</h2>Wild hippos are only found in Africa, but Escobar's wish to have a private zoo led to four of these creatures being brought to Colombia in the 1980s. The drug lord wanted to have his own zoo at Hacienda Nápoles, a gigantic ranch with a private landing strip in the Magdalena River valley. However, the hippos are on the loose and have been spotted in places more than 60 miles north of the ranch. Colombia has declared them an invasive species and has tried sterilisation and contemplated deporting them to foreign sanctuaries. However, transferring them would cost an estimated $3.5 million. Hippos have become a threat to the local people, according to environmental authorities, and have invaded farms and rivers.&nbsp;The hippos are causing loss of food to local species, such as the river manatees, otters and turtles, and killing fish. The absence of their natural predators has led to their numbers exploding. Being such mammoth creatures, they consume huge areas of grasslands and produce significant waste that poisons the rivers, Independent journalist Audrey Huse, who lived in Colombia, told CBS News. Despite the problems, hippos are a tourist attraction in Hacienda Nápoles, with hippo spotting tours and hippo-themed souvenirs being a major source of income for the villagers. Meanwhile, animal welfare activists in Colombia are against the proposal to kill the hippos. Andrea Padilla, a senator and animal rights activist, called the decision to cull the hippos "cruel".&nbsp; &nbsp;

Pablo Escobar's hippos have become a nuisance in Colombia, threatening local species and villagers. The country has now approved a plan to kill the animals as all other methods to control their population have failed.

Colombia is preparing to cull dozens of hippos, descendants of the four brought in by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. The animals are roaming freely in the region today and threaten villagers, who are also at risk of being displaced. The so-called "cocaine hippos" have become a menace, and all efforts to control their population have failed. Environment Minister Irene Vélez said they have tried neutering some of the animals or moving them to zoos, but these methods have proven expensive and have failed. She added that the proposal to kill these hippos will affect nearly 80 animals. No definite timeline has been provided yet for the measure. "If we don't do this, we will not be able to control the population," Vélez said. “We have to take this action to preserve our ecosystems.” Escobar's hippos declared an invasive species in Colombia Wild hippos are only found in Africa, but Escobar's wish to have a private zoo led to four of these creatures being brought to Colombia in the 1980s. The drug lord wanted to have his own zoo at Hacienda Nápoles, a gigantic ranch with a private landing strip in the Magdalena River valley. However, the hippos are on the loose and have been spotted in places more than 60 miles north of the ranch. Colombia has declared them an invasive species and has tried sterilisation and contemplated deporting them to foreign sanctuaries. However, transferring them would cost an estimated $3.5 million. Hippos have become a threat to the local people, according to environmental authorities, and have invaded farms and rivers. The hippos are causing loss of food to local species, such as the river manatees, otters and turtles, and killing fish. The absence of their natural predators has led to their numbers exploding. Being such mammoth creatures, they consume huge areas of grasslands and produce significant waste that poisons the rivers, Independent journalist Audrey Huse, who lived in Colombia, told CBS News. Despite the problems, hippos are a tourist attraction in Hacienda Nápoles, with hippo spotting tours and hippo-themed souvenirs being a major source of income for the villagers. Meanwhile, animal welfare activists in Colombia are against the proposal to kill the hippos. Andrea Padilla, a senator and animal rights activist, called the decision to cull the hippos "cruel".

Pablo Escobar's hippos have become a nuisance in Colombia, threatening local species and villagers. The country has now approved a plan to kill the animals, as all other methods to control their population have failed.

Colombia will kill Pablo Escobar's 80 'cocaine hippos'. Here's why

The death toll in the Colombian military aircraft crash rose to at least 66 on Tuesday (Mar 24). The C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying 125 people crashed moments after takeoff on Monday (Mar 23), officials said. It went down shortly after departing from Puerto Leguizamo, a remote town near Colombia’s southern borders with Ecuador and Peru. Earlier, officials said eight people were killed in the crash; however, unnamed military sources had painted a far grimmer picture, suggesting up to 80 people may have perished. Visuals of the crash showed burning debris scattered across dense jungle, with thick smoke rising above the treeline.<h2>Eight or eighty killed?</h2>Putumayo governor Jhon Gabriel Molina, in a video statement, confirmed the death toll and said at least 83 people had been injured. Investigators, he added, were still trying to piece together what went wrong.According to an AFP report, earlier, a military source had suggested a far grimmer picture. The unnamed individual told the news agency that as many as 80 people might have died. At the same time, officials were also reporting that around 40 survivors had been found. The numbers, for now, remain unclear.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-s-oil-gambit-how-trump-is-using-iranian-crude-to-bankrupt-tehran-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-in-pics-1774056598032">US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran amid Strait of Hormuz blockade | In Pics</a><h2>Crash comes amid tense anti-drug trafficking operations</h2>The region where the crash occurred has seen intense military operations in recent weeks. Colombian and Ecuadorian forces have been targeting drug trafficking groups and armed militias operating along the border.Images from the site showed civilians moving cautiously around the wreckage, including the aircraft’s broken tail marked FAC 1016. Flames continued to burn as responders struggled to secure the area.President Gustavo Petro shared footage showing the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before plunging. He called it a "horrific accident" and pointed to the need for modernising Colombia’s military equipment, though he stopped short of linking that directly to the crash.Watch video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Hasta el momento hubo 77 heridos en el hospital, un muerto, 43 personas por establecer su estado. Aún no se conoce las causas del accidente del avión Hércules. Fuerza a las familias de los soldados jóvenes de la Patria. <a href="https://t.co/Eanr2NrfkK">pic.twitter.com/Eanr2NrfkK</a>&mdash; Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) <a href="https://twitter.com/petrogustavo/status/2036151800923889688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>"Deeply painful event"</h2>Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez called the crash a "deeply painful event" and said military teams were on their way to the remote location. "May our prayers bring some measure of comfort," he said, while stressing that it was too early to determine the cause.General Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda confirmed that 114 troops and 11 crew members were on board. They had been travelling between two Amazon outposts. The area itself has slowed rescue efforts. "The airport is small, and there are several difficulties", Molina said, referring to the evacuation of the injured and the recovery of bodies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-warns-ras-al-khaimah-residents-to-evacuate-why-is-iran-threatening-uae-and-what-happens-next-1774064112660">IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE and what happens next?</a><h2>A pattern of accidents emerging?</h2>The incident comes less than a month after another Hercules aircraft went down in the region. In February, a Bolivian military cargo plane crashed near La Paz, killing at least 24 people. Built by Lockheed Martin, the C-130 Hercules is widely used by militaries worldwide. Known for its ability to operate in tough conditions, it can land on short, makeshift runways and carry heavy loads, from troops to vehicles.

Colombia plane crash: Colombia crash toll jumps to 66, but confusion remains. Was it 8, 66, or nearly 80 dead? Conflicting tolls deepen mystery after military C-130 with 125 onboard crashes into the jungle. What really happened mid-air? Scroll to see the latest updates 

The death toll in the Colombian military aircraft crash rose to at least 66 on Tuesday (Mar 24). The C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying 125 people crashed moments after takeoff on Monday (Mar 23), officials said. It went down shortly after departing from Puerto Leguizamo, a remote town near Colombia’s southern borders with Ecuador and Peru. Earlier, officials said eight people were killed in the crash; however, unnamed military sources had painted a far grimmer picture, suggesting up to 80 people may have perished. Visuals of the crash showed burning debris scattered across dense jungle, with thick smoke rising above the treeline. Eight or eighty killed? Putumayo governor Jhon Gabriel Molina, in a video statement, confirmed the death toll and said at least 83 people had been injured. Investigators, he added, were still trying to piece together what went wrong. According to an AFP report, earlier, a military source had suggested a far grimmer picture. The unnamed individual told the news agency that as many as 80 people might have died. At the same time, officials were also reporting that around 40 survivors had been found. The numbers, for now, remain unclear. Also read | US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran amid Strait of Hormuz blockade | In Pics Crash comes amid tense anti-drug trafficking operations The region where the crash occurred has seen intense military operations in recent weeks. Colombian and Ecuadorian forces have been targeting drug trafficking groups and armed militias operating along the border. Images from the site showed civilians moving cautiously around the wreckage, including the aircraft’s broken tail marked FAC 1016. Flames continued to burn as responders struggled to secure the area. President Gustavo Petro shared footage showing the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before plunging. He called it a "horrific accident" and pointed to the need for modernising Colombia’s military equipment, though he stopped short of linking that directly to the crash. Watch video here:

Colombia plane crash: Colombia crash toll jumps to 66, but confusion remains. Was it 8, 66, or nearly 80 dead? Conflicting tolls deepen mystery after military C-130 with 125 onboard crashes into the jungle. What really happened mid-air? Scroll to see the latest updates&nbsp;

Death toll in Colombian military C-130 Hercules plane crash rises to 66; Prez Petro shares video of moments before tragedy | Watch

A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules carrying approximately 80–110 soldiers crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern Amazon region on Monday (March 23). Colombia's military said that about 80 troops were believed to be dead in the transport plane crash.&nbsp;Two platoons of around 80 personnel were feared to have been aboard the Hercules aircraft, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo, near the southern border with Ecuador, AFP reported, citing a military source.&nbsp;Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the accident occurred as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, deep in Colombia’s southern Amazon region near the border with Peru, while transporting armed forces personnel.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Comunicaci%C3%B3nOficial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ComunicaciónOficial</a> | La <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fuerza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fuerza</a> Aeroespacial🇨🇴 se permite informar que una aeronave C-130 Hércules se accidentó hoy 23 de marzo en Puerto Leguízamo, las <a href="https://twitter.com/FuerzasMilCol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FuerzasMilCol</a> se encuentran desplegadas en el lugar atendiendo la emergencia. Información en desarrollo.&mdash; Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (@FuerzaAereaCol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FuerzaAereaCol/status/2036115235325477375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“The exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-and-israel-are-trapped-iran-trashes-trump-s-negotiation-claims-vows-crushing-punishment-1774283547194">‘US and Israel are trapped’: Iran trashes Trump’s ‘negotiation’ claims, vows crushing punishment</a>&nbsp;The C-130 Hercules was developed in the United States by Lockheed Martin. Its design originated in the early 1950s to meet a US Air Force requirement for a tactical transport capable of operating from unprepared runways. The aircraft is considered a global standard for tactical airlift, with over 2,500 units delivered worldwide.&nbsp;Currently, it is operated by approximately 70 countries, including the United States (the largest operator), the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and India, which operates 12 C-130J units. &nbsp;(This is a Developing story; Further details are awaited)

Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the accident occurred as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, deep in Colombia’s southern Amazon region near the border with Peru.

A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules carrying approximately 80–110 soldiers crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern Amazon region on Monday (March 23). Colombia's military said that about 80 troops were believed to be dead in the transport plane crash. Two platoons of around 80 personnel were feared to have been aboard the Hercules aircraft, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo, near the southern border with Ecuador, AFP reported, citing a military source. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the accident occurred as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, deep in Colombia’s southern Amazon region near the border with Peru, while transporting armed forces personnel.

Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the accident occurred as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, deep in Colombia’s southern Amazon region near the border with Peru.

Colombia military C-130 crash after takeoff; 80 troops feared dead

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Tuesday that he had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt earlier in the day, following months of warnings about a suspected plot by drug traffickers to kill him. Petro said on Monday night that the helicopter was compelled to abort its landing on Colombia’s Caribbean coast after intelligence indicated that unspecified people “were going to shoot” at it.&nbsp;“We headed out to open sea for four hours, and I arrived somewhere we weren’t supposed to go, escaping from being killed,” Petro said in a cabinet meeting that was broadcast live.<h3>Plot to kill Gustavo Petro</h3>The president’s remarks come amid a spike in violence ahead of the country’s presidential elections, in a nation long affected by armed conflict involving guerrilla groups and other militias. Petro, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, has repeatedly alleged that a drug-trafficking network has been plotting against him since he took office in August 2022.&nbsp;He said the alleged conspiracy involves powerful narcotics traffickers and armed leaders, including Ivan Mordisco, who heads the largest faction of Farc dissidents that rejected the 2016 peace accord.&nbsp;Including presidential candidates, Colombia has a long list of leftist leaders who have been assassinated over the years. Petro, the first-ever leftist president of South American had reported another alleged attempt on his life in 2024.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-will-do-something-tough-iranians-chant-anti-khamenei-slogans-as-trump-keeps-attack-options-open-1770795315866">‘Will do something tough’: Trump keeps attack options open as Iranians chant anti-Khamenei slo</a>gans

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, has repeatedly alleged that a drug-trafficking network has been plotting against him since he took office in August 2022.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Tuesday that he had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt earlier in the day, following months of warnings about a suspected plot by drug traffickers to kill him. Petro said on Monday night that the helicopter was compelled to abort its landing on Colombia’s Caribbean coast after intelligence indicated that unspecified people “were going to shoot” at it. “We headed out to open sea for four hours, and I arrived somewhere we weren’t supposed to go, escaping from being killed,” Petro said in a cabinet meeting that was broadcast live. Plot to kill Gustavo Petro The president’s remarks come amid a spike in violence ahead of the country’s presidential elections, in a nation long affected by armed conflict involving guerrilla groups and other militias. Petro, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, has repeatedly alleged that a drug-trafficking network has been plotting against him since he took office in August 2022. He said the alleged conspiracy involves powerful narcotics traffickers and armed leaders, including Ivan Mordisco, who heads the largest faction of Farc dissidents that rejected the 2016 peace accord. Including presidential candidates, Colombia has a long list of leftist leaders who have been assassinated over the years. Petro, the first-ever leftist president of South American had reported another alleged attempt on his life in 2024. Also read: ‘Will do something tough’: Trump keeps attack options open as Iranians chant anti-Khamenei slogans

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, has repeatedly alleged that a drug-trafficking network has been plotting against him since he took office in August 2022.

'We escaped being killed': Colombian President Gustavo Petro claims over an assassination attempt

The Colombian government on Wednesday said 3,100 people have moved from Venezuela to Colombia since Sunday in search of protection from the conflict in the border state of Apure

Thousands flee to Colombia after clashes on Venezuela border

Criminals in Colombia cut down tress to grow Coca. Large part of Natural parks lost to deforestation. 248 hectares of deforestation land recoverd so far. Colombia launches operations to hunt down criminals. 8 arrested for causing damage to natural resources.

Criminal gangs in Colombia cut down tress to grow Coca, 8 arrested

It is not a bird, a plane or Superman: the aircraft humming in the skies above Colombia's capital Bogota are instead police drones that are meant to detect people with high temperatures or those violating the country's coronavirus quarantine.

Colombian police use drones to detect high body temperatures

Boisterous mariachi music usually heard at family celebrations and birthday parties has burst out into the open on the empty streets of Colombia's capital, Bogota. Surprised residents often record the serenades on their cell phones and some sing along.

Mariachis delight quarantined Colombians with joyous street music

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