The humanitarian catastrophe in Colombia continues to deepen as the official death toll from the massive earthquake has climbed to 265, with authorities confirming another 496 individuals remain missing. Rescue teams are navigating increasingly hazardous conditions, battling treacherous terrain, heavy rains, and the constant threat of aftershocks as they scour the wreckage for survivors.


Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 265 with 496 missing 

A new dispute over the Golan Heights is putting Israel's control of the strategic Syrian territory back under the international spotlight. At the same time, Israel is facing accusations of fuelling environmental destruction in southern Lebanon where repeated fires have reportedly scorched forests, farmland and olive groves.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Lebanon, firefighters and residents accuse the Israeli military of triggering wildfires with its munitions and drones.&nbsp;&nbsp;Near Khiam in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly dropped flares over a wooded area, setting vegetation ablaze. When firefighters moved in to contain the flames, an Israeli drone strike landed nearby, allegedly forcing them to retreat.&nbsp;First responders and residents in other parts of southern Lebanon have reported similar incidents, describing fires in dry woodland, scrub and agricultural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Environmental groups say the damage threatens forests and biodiversity already affected by years of conflict. Israel has previously said Hezbollah uses wooded areas as cover for fighters and tunnels. And the focus now shifts north to the Golan Heights. Colombia’s newly elected right-wing President, Abelardo de la Espriella has recognised Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. The South American country becomes only the second country after the United States to take that position. Syria has condemned the move as a violation of the United Nations charter. The UN considers Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights illegal under international law. Israel captured the territory from Syria during the 1967 six-day war. Syria attempted to retake it during the 1973 war but failed. Israel expanded its military presence beyond the Golan ceasefire line in 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Israel says security and historical claims justify its control. The territory also carries enormous strategic value. The Golan Heights overlooks northern Israel and also provides a major vantage point into Syria with Damascus roughly 60 kilometres away. The plateau also sits near key water sources, including the Sea of Galilee and the Upper Jordan river basin, the main freshwater resources for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly defended Israel's claim over Golan Heights. In a video post on X, Netanyahu said the Israeli flag would remain over Golan Heights because, in his words, “This is Israeli land.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called Colombia's decision “historic” and said Israel will push other countries to recognise its sovereignty over the territory. The dispute comes as Israeli officials warn of growing security tensions with Syria, raising questions about the future of the Golan Heights and the wider region. Israeli diaspora affairs minister, in fact, just recently stated that a war with Syria is "inevitable" due to tensions near the border.

Israel captured the the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 six-day war. Syria attempted to retake it during the 1973 war but failed. Israel expanded its military presence beyond the Golan ceasefire line in 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

A new dispute over the Golan Heights is putting Israel's control of the strategic Syrian territory back under the international spotlight. At the same time, Israel is facing accusations of fuelling environmental destruction in southern Lebanon where repeated fires have reportedly scorched forests, farmland and olive groves. In Lebanon, firefighters and residents accuse the Israeli military of triggering wildfires with its munitions and drones. Near Khiam in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly dropped flares over a wooded area, setting vegetation ablaze. When firefighters moved in to contain the flames, an Israeli drone strike landed nearby, allegedly forcing them to retreat. First responders and residents in other parts of southern Lebanon have reported similar incidents, describing fires in dry woodland, scrub and agricultural areas.

Israel captured the the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 six-day war. Syria attempted to retake it during the 1973 war but failed. Israel expanded its military presence beyond the Golan ceasefire line in 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Israel accused of deliberately starting wildfires in South Lebanon | Gravitas

More than 1,600 buildings have been reported damaged or collapsed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. Rescue workers are searching through rubble in Pereira, Colombia, using heavy machinery to clear debris after a powerful earthquake. The death toll has risen to 250 as emergency teams continue search and rescue operations across the affected region.

Colombia Quake: Colombian president tours quake-hit Pereira to assess damage

Rescue workers are searching through rubble in Pereira, Colombia, using heavy machinery to clear debris after a powerful earthquake. The death toll has risen to 224 as emergency teams continue search and rescue operations across the affected region.

Colombia mobilises military & police for emergency response after deadly quake

Emergency rescue crews and civilian volunteers are working around the clock in Pereira, Colombia, clearing heavy rubble and searching for survivors following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake. With the death toll continuing to climb past 111, rescue teams are utilizing specialized heavy machinery and canine units to cut through collapsed concrete and twisted metal in the worst-hit zones


Colombia Quake: Crews Clear Rubble in Pereira After Deadly Colombia Quake 

Former Colombian mayors and governors are under the scanner for the embezzlement of COP3 trillion ($941 million or Rs 8,976 crores). Thirteen suspects are under arrest, and prosecutors have asked the Supreme Court to investigate seven former governors. The matter is linked to the public-private partnership Sierra Nevada Mixed Fund, which was set up by former mayor of La Paz, Cesar, Martin Zuleta and his family in early 2021.&nbsp;Reports claim that documents were forged to illegally appropriate funds from the General Royalties System for the fund. Governors of five provinces are said to have helped in doing so. The Supreme Court has received cases of governors of Magdalena, Vichada, Amazonas, Guaviare and Vaupes, including former Governors Rafael Martinez of Magdalena and Alvaro Leon of Vichada. All of them will be investigated in the matter. The mayor of María la Baja, a contractor and several former directors of the mixed fund have been arrested.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/iraq-anti-corruption-crackdown-nearly-rs-2-700-crore-worth-of-gold-and-cash-recovered-from-homes-of-mps-and-govt-officials-1782807497708">Nearly Rs 2,700 crore in gold and cash recovered from homes of MPs and govt officials in Iraq</a>&nbsp;Anti-corruption prosecutor Madeleyne Perez said at a press conference, "So far, we’ve tracked 3 trillion pesos, of which it has been established that some were misappropriated through irregular contracts." Caracol reported that following a raid at Zuleta's home, he was taken to a hospital. He would be cooperating with the investigation, officials said.<h2>Problems in Sierra Nevada Mixed Fund emerged two years ago</h2>&nbsp;The fund has been in the eye of a storm since 2024 when authorities found irregularities in certain projects. These included the construction of a high school in the Huila province, funds for indigenous reserves in La Guajira, and funds for school transport in Casanare.&nbsp;&nbsp;No open bidding procedure took place, according to a report by radio station W that is now non-functional, and departments from across Colombia hired Sierra Nevada for all kinds of projects. The report also identified that local and regional government authorities and the Fund entered into more than 100 contracts. &nbsp;

A major corruption scandal is in the limelight in Colombia, where former mayors and governors will be investigated for the embezzlement of COP3 trillion or Rs 8,976 crores. Prosecutors have already arrested 13 suspects.

Former Colombian mayors and governors are under the scanner for the embezzlement of COP3 trillion ($941 million or Rs 8,976 crores). Thirteen suspects are under arrest, and prosecutors have asked the Supreme Court to investigate seven former governors. The matter is linked to the public-private partnership Sierra Nevada Mixed Fund, which was set up by former mayor of La Paz, Cesar, Martin Zuleta and his family in early 2021. Reports claim that documents were forged to illegally appropriate funds from the General Royalties System for the fund. Governors of five provinces are said to have helped in doing so. The Supreme Court has received cases of governors of Magdalena, Vichada, Amazonas, Guaviare and Vaupes, including former Governors Rafael Martinez of Magdalena and Alvaro Leon of Vichada. All of them will be investigated in the matter. The mayor of María la Baja, a contractor and several former directors of the mixed fund have been arrested. Also Read: Nearly Rs 2,700 crore in gold and cash recovered from homes of MPs and govt officials in Iraq Anti-corruption prosecutor Madeleyne Perez said at a press conference, "So far, we’ve tracked 3 trillion pesos, of which it has been established that some were misappropriated through irregular contracts." Caracol reported that following a raid at Zuleta's home, he was taken to a hospital. He would be cooperating with the investigation, officials said. Problems in Sierra Nevada Mixed Fund emerged two years ago The fund has been in the eye of a storm since 2024 when authorities found irregularities in certain projects. These included the construction of a high school in the Huila province, funds for indigenous reserves in La Guajira, and funds for school transport in Casanare. No open bidding procedure took place, according to a report by radio station W that is now non-functional, and departments from across Colombia hired Sierra Nevada for all kinds of projects. The report also identified that local and regional government authorities and the Fund entered into more than 100 contracts.

A major corruption scandal is in the limelight in Colombia, where former mayors and governors will be investigated for the embezzlement of COP3 trillion or Rs 8,976 crores. Prosecutors have already arrested 13 suspects.

Rs 8,976 crore embezzlement scandal rocks Colombia; mayors and governors under scanner

A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing injuries and significant damage across several cities, including Quibdo, Pereira and Cali, while disrupting operations at multiple airports. The tremor was felt in the capital Bogota and as far away as neighbouring Venezuela and Ecuador.


 Colombia Quake: Epicentre near San Jose Del Palmar, 400 km from Colombia's capital 

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

Colombia secured the top spot in Group K after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Portugal in Miami. Despite a high-intensity encounter that saw both sides create multiple chances, neither team could break the deadlock.  


FIFA World Cup 2026: Colombia Denied Winner But Claim Top Spot

Colombia officially joined the conservative shift in Latin America when far-right populist and lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella won the presidential election in a runoff against leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda. The election returns Colombia to conservative leadership, ending four years under outgoing President Gustavo Petro.


Colombia Joins the List of Countries Ruled by Conservative Parties

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- Iran-U.S. Technical Talks to Continue in Switzerland 
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- Colombia: Protests After Presidential Vote

Iran-U.S. Technical Talks to Continue in Switzerland

Colombia election results have delivered a dramatic outcome, with far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella securing a narrow victory in the presidential race. The result marks a major political shift for Colombia and could reshape the country's domestic and foreign policy priorities.

Colombia Elects Far-Right President In Tight Election

Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Colombia Presidency: What's Next?

Colombians were voting Sunday in a polarized presidential runoff that could reshape the country's fragile peace process and relations with the United States, after the most violent election campaign in a decade.


Colombia: Trump-Backed Conservative Faces Petro Ally in Polarised Contest

Around 100 Colombian guerrillas have disarmed as part of an agreement with the country's leftist government, marking a significant step in ongoing peace efforts. The move is aimed at reducing violence and integrating former fighters into civilian life.


Colombia Peace Push: Nearly 100 Guerrilla Dissidents Disarm Under Peace Talks With Government 

Colombia is entering a decisive political moment as the presidential run-off approaches on June 21. Candidates are holding final rallies across the country, making their last push to win over voters. The conservative frontrunner has promised a tougher stance on organised crime, a key issue dominating the campaign. With tensions rising and voter turnout expected to be high, the election outcome could shape Colombia’s political direction for years to come.

Colombia Heads Into Presidential Run-Off With Final Rallies Across Nation

Colombia's presidential runoff race is drawing international attention after Donald Trump publicly endorsed right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella ahead of the June 21 vote. The endorsement has sparked political debate, with President Gustavo Petro warning against foreign influence in the country's democratic process. As Colombians prepare to head to the polls, the contest is shaping up as a crucial moment for the nation's political future, with tensions and expectations running high.


Colombian Elections: Trump Endorses Colombia's Right-Wing Hopeful Ahead Of Runoff 

A monster truck plowed into a crowd of spectators during a stunt at an outdoor motor sport event in Colombia on Sunday, killing three people and injuring 40 others, the local authorities said.

Video footage verified by the Reuters news agency shows crowds of people in Popayán, the capital of Cauca, a department in southwestern Colombia, watching as the driver performed tricks, then appeared to lose control of the vehicle and hit spectators standing behind a barrier.

Colombia Truck Crash: Monster Truck Crashes Into Crowd, Child Among Dead

Monster Truck Crashes Into Crowd in Colombia; Birthday Girl Among Three Killed

A deadly car bombing in southwest Colombia that killed 21 people has intensified fears of violence ahead of the country’s upcoming national elections. Authorities are on high alert as concerns grow over political instability, armed groups, and security threats during the campaign period. The attack has cast a dark shadow over the electoral process, raising questions about voter safety and the government’s ability to contain escalating unrest.


Colombia Car Bombing: Shadow of Violence Looms Over Colombia's Upcoming National Election

Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivered a fiery warning over the dangers of fossil fuels while hosting a major climate summit focused on transitioning away from oil, coal and gas. Petro criticised repeated failures in global climate negotiations and urged developing nations to unite against what he described as an economic model driving environmental collapse. The summit highlighted growing frustration from Global South countries, especially as the United States and Saudi Arabia stayed away from the gathering.


Gustavo Petro Slams Failed Climate Talks, Pushes Global Fossil Fuel Exit

More than 50 countries have gathered in Santa Marta for a landmark climate summit focused on phasing out fossil fuels. The meeting comes amid growing frustration with slow progress at global climate negotiations, even as some of the world’s biggest emitters skipped the talks. Activists marched alongside the summit, demanding that major polluters take responsibility for the global consequences of climate change and rising environmental damage.


Over 50 Nations Meet In Colombia For Historic Fossil Fuel Phaseout Talks 

A major global climate summit is underway in Santa Marta, where nearly 60 countries have gathered to tackle one of the toughest questions in climate policy—how to move beyond fossil fuels.

The talks aim to push concrete action on reducing dependence on oil, gas, and coal, marking a significant moment in global climate negotiations as pressure mounts for faster energy transition.

World's First Fossil Fuel Summit: Over 50 Nations Gather In Colombia

Over 50 Nations Gather In Colombia: World's First Fossil Fuel Summit 

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