At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has already announced that he was deploying military to Cali.

"Ten people" are dead, "this is the toll we have this morning" in events linked to Friday's demonstrations, Cali's security secretary Carlos Rojas told Caracol radio. Police said eight of the 10 were shot dead.

He spoke after reports of violent street clashes. In one case, a representative from the Cali prosecutor's office said an off-duty investigator had shot at a crowd, killing a civilian, before being lynched by protesters.

Video footage showed a man lying in a pool of blood and another nearby wielding a gun; that man was then attacked by a group of people.

"In the south of the city we had a real scene of confrontation and almost an urban war where many people not only lost their lives, but we also had a significant number of injuries," said Rojas.

After chairing a security meeting in the city, Duque announced on Friday "the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police" would begin immediately.&nbsp;

Militarised response

Human Rights Watch said that the situation in the city was "very serious"

Jose Miguel Vivanco, the rights group's executive director for the Americas, urged Duque to take "urgent measures to de-escalate, including a specific order prohibiting agents of the state from using firearms."

Analysts have blamed the government's militarized history for its response to the protests.

For more than 50 years, Colombia's war against leftist FARC guerrillas eclipsed all other government priorities, with the state emerging from the conflict militarily strong but weak on social redress.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression.

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression. Colombian President Ivan Duque has already announced that he was deploying military to Cali. "Ten people" are dead, "this is the toll we have this morning" in events linked to Friday's demonstrations, Cali's security secretary Carlos Rojas told Caracol radio. Police said eight of the 10 were shot dead. He spoke after reports of violent street clashes. In one case, a representative from the Cali prosecutor's office said an off-duty investigator had shot at a crowd, killing a civilian, before being lynched by protesters. Video footage showed a man lying in a pool of blood and another nearby wielding a gun; that man was then attacked by a group of people. "In the south of the city we had a real scene of confrontation and almost an urban war where many people not only lost their lives, but we also had a significant number of injuries," said Rojas. After chairing a security meeting in the city, Duque announced on Friday "the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police" would begin immediately. Militarised response Human Rights Watch said that the situation in the city was "very serious" Jose Miguel Vivanco, the rights group's executive director for the Americas, urged Duque to take "urgent measures to de-escalate, including a specific order prohibiting agents of the state from using firearms." Analysts have blamed the government's militarized history for its response to the protests. For more than 50 years, Colombia's war against leftist FARC guerrillas eclipsed all other government priorities, with the state emerging from the conflict militarily strong but weak on social redress. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia: At least 10 dead in anti-government protest clashes

Colombia will begin "the maximum deployment" of military personnel in the western province of Valle del Cauca and its capital, Cali, President Ivan Duque said on Friday, after four people died in protests to mark a month of anti-government demonstrations. 
 
The four died in and around Cali on Friday as tens of thousands marched across the country in the latest in demonstrations that started on April 28 to oppose tax reform but have since expanded to include wide-ranging demands. 
 
Talks between the government and the protest leaders, including union leaders who have formed a national strike committee, have stalled. 
 
"From tonight begins the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police in Cali and the province of Valle," Duque said in a televised message. 
 
He added that more than 7,000 personnel will be sent to lift road blockades, including members of the navy, but did not give any more specifics. 
 
Clara Luz Roldan, governor of Valle del Cauca, earlier declared a curfew would start in the province from 7:00 p.m. 
 
On Friday in Cali, an epicenter of the protests, Mayor Jorge Ospina confirmed three deaths. Local media reported the fourth death occurred on the road between Cali and the town of Candelaria. 
 
Two people in Cali were killed when an agent of the attorney general`s investigative unit opened fire on civilians, before also being killed, Attorney General Francisco Barbosa said in a televised message. The agent was not on duty at the time, Barbosa said. 
 
The demonstrations have been plagued by violence. 
 
As of Thursday 17 civilians have died in connection with protests, the government said. Human rights groups say dozens more have been killed by security forces. Two police officers were also earlier reported killed. 
 
Human Rights Watch`s executive director for the Americas, Jose Miguel Vivanco, said on Twitter the advocacy group had verified videos published on social media showing armed men in civilian clothes firing weapons while police look on. 
 
Vivanco called on Defense Minister Diego Molano to explain. Colombia`s defense ministry did not immediately respond to questions. 
 
DEMANDS 
 
The demonstrations have pressured the government and lawmakers into shelving the tax and health reforms and prompted the resignation of former finance minister Alberto Carrasquilla. 
 
Protester demands now also include a basic income, opportunities for young people and an end to police violence. 
 
Although demonstrations outside Valle del Cauca on Friday were mostly peaceful, clashes between police and protesters were reported in some areas, such as the municipality of Madrid, near Bogota, as were incidents of violence in the city of Popayan. 
 
Amid singing and music in the capital Bogota, protesters said they would keep marching. 
 
"Until the government listens to us, we have to stay in the streets," Alejandro Franco, 23, told Reuters. Close to graduating, he said he was marching for better education and health, among other reasons. 
 
"If the people don`t have peace then neither will the government," he added. 
 
Despite the government and protest leaders reaching a "pre-agreement" for ending demonstrations this week, strike organizers on Thursday said the government had not signed the deal and accused it of stalling. 
 
"We have already reached the agreement, the only thing missing is the president`s signature to start the negotiations," Francisco Maltes, president of the Central Union of Workers (CUT), said on Friday, accusing the government of delaying talks. 
 
The government said it had not signed the deal because some protest leaders would not condemn road blocks, calling the issue non-negotiable, and adding that talks will resume on Sunday. 
 
Colombia`s finance ministry estimates protests and roadblocks have cost the country $2.68 billion, with the roadblocks leading to shortages of food and other supplies, boosting prices, and disrupting operations in the country`s main seaport as well as for hundreds of companies. 
 
"I have to close my shop every time there are protests," Laudice Ramirez, 62, said in the south of the city. "I`m going bankrupt, but the youth don`t have any other options for opportunities." 
&nbsp;

Colombia will begin "the maximum deployment" of military personnel in the western province of Valle del Cauca and its capital, Cali, President Ivan Duque said on Friday, after four people died in protests to mark a month of anti-government demonstrations.

Colombia will begin "the maximum deployment" of military personnel in the western province of Valle del Cauca and its capital, Cali, President Ivan Duque said on Friday, after four people died in protests to mark a month of anti-government demonstrations. The four died in and around Cali on Friday as tens of thousands marched across the country in the latest in demonstrations that started on April 28 to oppose tax reform but have since expanded to include wide-ranging demands. Talks between the government and the protest leaders, including union leaders who have formed a national strike committee, have stalled. "From tonight begins the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police in Cali and the province of Valle," Duque said in a televised message. He added that more than 7,000 personnel will be sent to lift road blockades, including members of the navy, but did not give any more specifics. Clara Luz Roldan, governor of Valle del Cauca, earlier declared a curfew would start in the province from 7:00 p.m. On Friday in Cali, an epicenter of the protests, Mayor Jorge Ospina confirmed three deaths. Local media reported the fourth death occurred on the road between Cali and the town of Candelaria. Two people in Cali were killed when an agent of the attorney general`s investigative unit opened fire on civilians, before also being killed, Attorney General Francisco Barbosa said in a televised message. The agent was not on duty at the time, Barbosa said. The demonstrations have been plagued by violence. As of Thursday 17 civilians have died in connection with protests, the government said. Human rights groups say dozens more have been killed by security forces. Two police officers were also earlier reported killed. Human Rights Watch`s executive director for the Americas, Jose Miguel Vivanco, said on Twitter the advocacy group had verified videos published on social media showing armed men in civilian clothes firing weapons while police look on. Vivanco called on Defense Minister Diego Molano to explain. Colombia`s defense ministry did not immediately respond to questions. DEMANDS The demonstrations have pressured the government and lawmakers into shelving the tax and health reforms and prompted the resignation of former finance minister Alberto Carrasquilla. Protester demands now also include a basic income, opportunities for young people and an end to police violence. Although demonstrations outside Valle del Cauca on Friday were mostly peaceful, clashes between police and protesters were reported in some areas, such as the municipality of Madrid, near Bogota, as were incidents of violence in the city of Popayan. Amid singing and music in the capital Bogota, protesters said they would keep marching. "Until the government listens to us, we have to stay in the streets," Alejandro Franco, 23, told Reuters. Close to graduating, he said he was marching for better education and health, among other reasons. "If the people don`t have peace then neither will the government," he added. Despite the government and protest leaders reaching a "pre-agreement" for ending demonstrations this week, strike organizers on Thursday said the government had not signed the deal and accused it of stalling. "We have already reached the agreement, the only thing missing is the president`s signature to start the negotiations," Francisco Maltes, president of the Central Union of Workers (CUT), said on Friday, accusing the government of delaying talks. The government said it had not signed the deal because some protest leaders would not condemn road blocks, calling the issue non-negotiable, and adding that talks will resume on Sunday. Colombia`s finance ministry estimates protests and roadblocks have cost the country $2.68 billion, with the roadblocks leading to shortages of food and other supplies, boosting prices, and disrupting operations in the country`s main seaport as well as for hundreds of companies. "I have to close my shop every time there are protests," Laudice Ramirez, 62, said in the south of the city. "I`m going bankrupt, but the youth don`t have any other options for opportunities."

Colombia sends military to western province after four die during protests

Locals continue demonstrations as Colombia protests complete one month

Now, the trouble mounted for Facebook-owned instant messaging application WhatsApp in South America now. Colombia's top consumer protection watchdog on Wednesday ordered messaging application WhatsApp to take measures to protect users' personal data, saying it violated more than half of the rules governing such information.

World Business Watch: Colombia orders WhatsApp to comply with data protection

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests.

Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0x6mMgeDwAhVTyjgGHU2WCkEQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QKvI0bGZy_t6EqPBnpclh" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-calls-for-dialogue-with-protest-leaders-383372" target="_blank">Colombia&nbsp;calls for dialogue with protest leaders</a>

He also urged the security forces to let the locals carry peaceful protests and "avoid, for humanitarian reasons, behaviours harmful to the population in the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully".

Colombia has been observing continuous protests by locals over proposed tax reforms, which were quickly shelved due to the unpopular reaction.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0x6mMgeDwAhVTyjgGHU2WCkEQFjAGegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2JFsZj2XsXQczeSrGjN2bS" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-president-withdraws-tax-reform-after-protests-382423" target="_blank">Colombia's&nbsp;president withdraws tax reform after protests</a>

However, since then, there has been an anti-government sentiment in the country, even though the government has urged locals to stay indoors due to the rising covid infections.

The protests and massive unrest have led to an alarming increase in infections in Colombia in the past few weeks, taking the death toll to more than 80,000.

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests. Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said.

As the situation in Colombia is worsening, Pope Francis has urged "serious dialogue" to find a quick solution and has defended the right to peaceful protests. Colombia needs to conduct "through serious dialogue, (whereby) fair solutions are found to the many problems it faces," Pope said. Also read | Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders He also urged the security forces to let the locals carry peaceful protests and "avoid, for humanitarian reasons, behaviours harmful to the population in the exercise of their right to demonstrate peacefully". Colombia has been observing continuous protests by locals over proposed tax reforms, which were quickly shelved due to the unpopular reaction. Also read | Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests However, since then, there has been an anti-government sentiment in the country, even though the government has urged locals to stay indoors due to the rising covid infections. The protests and massive unrest have led to an alarming increase in infections in Colombia in the past few weeks, taking the death toll to more than 80,000.

Pope defends Colombia's right to peaceful protests

Colombia has barred non-resident arrivals from India through the end of June in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 variant B.1.617, the health ministry said on Friday.

The restrictions came into force on Thursday, although travellers who were already in the air or on their journey to Colombia are exempt.

The variant's potentially higher rates of transmission motivated Colombia's decision, the ministry in a statement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-bans-travellers-from-india-imposes-virus-curbs-386101">Sudan bans travellers from India, imposes virus curbs</a>

The B.1.617 variant is believed by some experts to be even more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 variant first detected in Britain.

India's hospitals and crematoria have been overwhelmed by the second wave in coronavirus cases.

It is widely accepted official figures of more than 25 million cases in the Asian country grossly underestimate the real impact of the epidemic, with some experts saying infections and deaths could be up to 10 times higher.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inflatable-rooms-for-covid-19-patients-in-columbia-364481">Inflatable rooms for Covid 19 patients in Columbia</a>

Colombia's restrictions apply to travellers who have been in India within the last 14 days or who had a connecting flight there, the statement said.

Travellers who are exempt from the ban, including diplomats and those with work visas, must present a negative PCR test upon entry, take an additional test within 24 hours of arrival and a third on the seventh day after entry.

They should also be in strict quarantine for 14 days, the statement said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-bans-south-asia-travellers-as-virus-cases-soar-384606">Maldives bans South Asia travellers as virus cases soar</a>

"Combined with Colombia's confrontation of a third peak in the pandemic, the advisory committee for confronting the COVID-19 pandemic recommended the suspension of entrance to the country of non-resident travelers from the Republic of India," the ministry's director of epidemiology Julian Fernandez said.

Colombia's major cities are weathering the third peak of infections expected to last through the end of May, with large anti-government protests blamed for extending high case numbers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bans-travellers-from-india-with-immediate-effect-383172">Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect</a>

The Andean country has confirmed nearly 3.2 million infections and over 83,000 deaths over the course of the pandemic. It has so far administered 8 million doses of coronavirus vaccines.

Colombia has barred non-resident arrivals from India through the end of June in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 variant B.1.617, the health ministry said on Friday.

Colombia has barred non-resident arrivals from India through the end of June in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 variant B.1.617, the health ministry said on Friday. The restrictions came into force on Thursday, although travellers who were already in the air or on their journey to Colombia are exempt. The variant's potentially higher rates of transmission motivated Colombia's decision, the ministry in a statement. Also Read | Sudan bans travellers from India, imposes virus curbs The B.1.617 variant is believed by some experts to be even more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 variant first detected in Britain. India's hospitals and crematoria have been overwhelmed by the second wave in coronavirus cases. It is widely accepted official figures of more than 25 million cases in the Asian country grossly underestimate the real impact of the epidemic, with some experts saying infections and deaths could be up to 10 times higher. Also Read | Inflatable rooms for Covid 19 patients in Columbia Colombia's restrictions apply to travellers who have been in India within the last 14 days or who had a connecting flight there, the statement said. Travellers who are exempt from the ban, including diplomats and those with work visas, must present a negative PCR test upon entry, take an additional test within 24 hours of arrival and a third on the seventh day after entry. They should also be in strict quarantine for 14 days, the statement said. Also Read | Maldives bans South Asia travellers as virus cases soar "Combined with Colombia's confrontation of a third peak in the pandemic, the advisory committee for confronting the COVID-19 pandemic recommended the suspension of entrance to the country of non-resident travelers from the Republic of India," the ministry's director of epidemiology Julian Fernandez said. Colombia's major cities are weathering the third peak of infections expected to last through the end of May, with large anti-government protests blamed for extending high case numbers. Also Read | Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect The Andean country has confirmed nearly 3.2 million infections and over 83,000 deaths over the course of the pandemic. It has so far administered 8 million doses of coronavirus vaccines.

Colombia bars travellers from India over coronavirus variant

The 2021 Copa America will no longer feature games in co-host Colombia after the South American&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Confederation (CONMEBOL) decided on Thursday (May 20) to move games away from the country after a wave of civil unrest there.

The 2021 tournament was due to be held jointly by Colombia and Argentina.

It was the first time in its 105-year history that a co-hosting model had been chosen but it appears weeks of protest in Colombia led to Thursday's decision.

The tournament features all 10 South American nations and was due to kick off in Buenos Aires on June 13 and culminate with the final in the Colombian city of Barranquilla on July 11.

"CONMEBOL guarantees the realization of the 2021 Copa America and in the coming days will inform on the relocation of those games that were to be held in Colombia," the organization said in a statement.

CONMEBOL rejected an appeal from Colombia to move the tournament to the end of the year.

Argentina earlier this week offered to host the whole tournament amid weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia which have killed at least 15 people.

Fifteen games had been scheduled for Colombia and 13 games are scheduled for Argentina.

Tear gas fired outside some Colombian stadiums during recent matches led to discomfort for players and condemnation from coaches and officials. CONMEBOL already transferred some games out of Colombia to Paraguay and Ecuador.

The protests that began in late April, originally against a now canceled tax plan, have led to food and gasoline shortages and stymied exports, the government said. Protest demands have expanded to include calls for a basic income, an end to police violence, and more opportunities for young people.

Blockades are still affecting roads in 17 of Colombia's 32 provinces and unions have called for more big protests on May 26 and 28.

This year's Copa America was originally scheduled for 2020 but was held over because of the spread of COVID-19.

The decision to strip Colombia of its games is a crushing blow to a nation that suffered a similar reverse in the 1980s when it was forced to give up the right to host the 1986 World Cup finals, which were moved to Mexico.

And in 2001, the last time Colombia hosted the Copa America, CONMEBOL was so worried about security there they canceled the tournament only to change their minds a few days later.

However, Argentina and invited guests Canada withdrew, citing their own concerns over security.

South America has been hit hard by the pandemic, with more than 444,000 people dying in Brazil, and new surges causing consternation in Argentina and Uruguay, amongst other places.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez on Thursday announced a strict lockdown beginning on Saturday and lasting until at least May 31.

The move includes a ban on all sporting, religious and social events, in addition to closing schools and non-essential commerce.

The 2021 Copa America will no longer feature games in co-host Colombia after the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) decided on Thursday (May 20) to move games away from the country after a wave of civil unrest there.

The 2021 Copa America will no longer feature games in co-host Colombia after the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) decided on Thursday (May 20) to move games away from the country after a wave of civil unrest there. The 2021 tournament was due to be held jointly by Colombia and Argentina. It was the first time in its 105-year history that a co-hosting model had been chosen but it appears weeks of protest in Colombia led to Thursday's decision. The tournament features all 10 South American nations and was due to kick off in Buenos Aires on June 13 and culminate with the final in the Colombian city of Barranquilla on July 11. "CONMEBOL guarantees the realization of the 2021 Copa America and in the coming days will inform on the relocation of those games that were to be held in Colombia," the organization said in a statement. CONMEBOL rejected an appeal from Colombia to move the tournament to the end of the year. Argentina earlier this week offered to host the whole tournament amid weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia which have killed at least 15 people. Fifteen games had been scheduled for Colombia and 13 games are scheduled for Argentina. Tear gas fired outside some Colombian stadiums during recent matches led to discomfort for players and condemnation from coaches and officials. CONMEBOL already transferred some games out of Colombia to Paraguay and Ecuador. The protests that began in late April, originally against a now canceled tax plan, have led to food and gasoline shortages and stymied exports, the government said. Protest demands have expanded to include calls for a basic income, an end to police violence, and more opportunities for young people. Blockades are still affecting roads in 17 of Colombia's 32 provinces and unions have called for more big protests on May 26 and 28. This year's Copa America was originally scheduled for 2020 but was held over because of the spread of COVID-19. The decision to strip Colombia of its games is a crushing blow to a nation that suffered a similar reverse in the 1980s when it was forced to give up the right to host the 1986 World Cup finals, which were moved to Mexico. And in 2001, the last time Colombia hosted the Copa America, CONMEBOL was so worried about security there they canceled the tournament only to change their minds a few days later. However, Argentina and invited guests Canada withdrew, citing their own concerns over security. South America has been hit hard by the pandemic, with more than 444,000 people dying in Brazil, and new surges causing consternation in Argentina and Uruguay, amongst other places. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez on Thursday announced a strict lockdown beginning on Saturday and lasting until at least May 31. The move includes a ban on all sporting, religious and social events, in addition to closing schools and non-essential commerce.

Football: Copa America games moved from Colombia after civil unrest

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.&nbsp;

The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people.&nbsp;

The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence.&nbsp;

Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights."&nbsp;

The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people.&nbsp;

Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week.&nbsp;

The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher.&nbsp;

Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches.&nbsp;

Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday. The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people. The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence. Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights." The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people. Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week. The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher. Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches. Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia president says security forces to lift road blockades 

The head of Colombia's National Police Force General Jorge Luis Vargas has said that officers who are responsible for abuses or acts of violence amid ongoing protests will be punished to the full extent of the law.

No impunity for police officers responsible for abuse says Colombia's top cop

Thousands of Colombians living in Madrid marched on Saturday (May 15) and protested against the Colombian government under President Ivan Duque and the police violence used to quell street protests in the Andean country.

The protesters waved Colombian flags and chanted slogans to demand solidarity to their people. Colombians took Madrid's Gran Via street and walked for hours.

"We want to support all our people in Colombia who are being mistreated, who are being murdered for fighting for the fundamental rights," said 52-year-old Colombian Maria Eugenia Rojas, living in Madrid for 14 years.

Demosnstartions in Colombia began last week. They were fuelled by outrage at the government plan to raise sales taxes. That proposal was cancelled, but protesters' demands now include a basic income and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform that opponents say is too vague to correct inequalities.

Protesters, who originally called marches against a now-cancelled tax plan, have expanded demands to include a basic income, an end to police violence and education and jobs for young people, among other things.

The death toll from protests is disputed. The human rights ombudsman is investigating 41 civilian deaths, while the attorney general's office has confirmed 14.

Colombians are the largest group of Latin American immigrants in Spain where 63,762 are registered. Many fear for their families and loved ones back home.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Colombians living in Madrid marched on Saturday (May 15) and protested against the Colombian government under President Ivan Duque and the police violence used to quell street protests in the Andean country.

Thousands of Colombians living in Madrid marched on Saturday (May 15) and protested against the Colombian government under President Ivan Duque and the police violence used to quell street protests in the Andean country. The protesters waved Colombian flags and chanted slogans to demand solidarity to their people. Colombians took Madrid's Gran Via street and walked for hours. "We want to support all our people in Colombia who are being mistreated, who are being murdered for fighting for the fundamental rights," said 52-year-old Colombian Maria Eugenia Rojas, living in Madrid for 14 years. Demosnstartions in Colombia began last week. They were fuelled by outrage at the government plan to raise sales taxes. That proposal was cancelled, but protesters' demands now include a basic income and the withdrawal of a long-debated health reform that opponents say is too vague to correct inequalities. Protesters, who originally called marches against a now-cancelled tax plan, have expanded demands to include a basic income, an end to police violence and education and jobs for young people, among other things. The death toll from protests is disputed. The human rights ombudsman is investigating 41 civilian deaths, while the attorney general's office has confirmed 14. Colombians are the largest group of Latin American immigrants in Spain where 63,762 are registered. Many fear for their families and loved ones back home. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombians in Madrid march to support protests in home country

Anti-government protests continue for the third week in Colombia in Colombia. Residents struggle under weight of protests & blockades.

Colombia Protest: Residents struggle under weight of protests & blockades

Anti-government protests continue for the third week in Colombia in Colombia. At least 42 people have been killed in protests so far.

Colombia: Anti-Govt Protests continue for the third week

The union of Colombian footballers called on authorities to halt all domestic matches because of political instability in the country, just a month before the Copa America is due to kick off.

Colombia Protest: Protests continue for the third week

Indigenous&nbsp;people in Colombia on Friday knocked down a&nbsp;statue&nbsp;of Spanish&nbsp;conquistador&nbsp;Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada,&nbsp;who founded the&nbsp;capital&nbsp;Bogota, as protests against the government continued.

Photos shared on social media showed members of the Misak&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;community standing on the empty pedestal in the center of Bogota with the&nbsp;statue&nbsp;lying on the ground with a broken arm.

At least 26 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces since protests against President Ivan Duque's government began on April 28, originally against a now abandoned tax reform.

Watch |

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Indigenous&nbsp;people have joined in with unions, students and other groups in demanding change to the government's policies on health, education and inequality.

Demonstrators from the Misak -- also called Guambiano -- community, originally from the south of the country, arrived at dawn at the&nbsp;statue, erected in 1960, waving their&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;flags.

"Historically he was the biggest slaughterer, torturer, thief and rapist of our women and our children," the group said in a statement.

The statement said the "elitist families descended" from De Quesada&nbsp;had "reproduced the great problems" of the country such as the recently abandoned tax reform.

Indigenous&nbsp;people in Colombia's southwest have knocked down at least three statues to conquistadors since September 2020.

They are waging a historic dispute over land rights but have often been the victims of Colombia's multi-faceted conflict pitting left-wing guerrillas, drug-traffickers, right-wing paramilitaries and the armed forces against each other.

Later on Friday, Defense Minister Diego Molano hit out at those criticising the security forces for alleged excessive use of force.

Colombia has come under fire from the United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs for its handling of the protests.

"There's a stigmatization campaign against the public forces operations on social media that aims to pit them against society," Molano told Blu Radio.

The government blames the violence on "vandalism" wrought by left-wing rebels that it says have infiltrated protests.

Three members of the security forces have been shot during the protests.

Indigenous people in Colombia on Friday knocked down a statue of Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, who founded the capital Bogota, as protests against the government continued.

Indigenous people in Colombia on Friday knocked down a statue of Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, who founded the capital Bogota, as protests against the government continued. Photos shared on social media showed members of the Misak indigenous community standing on the empty pedestal in the center of Bogota with the statue lying on the ground with a broken arm. At least 26 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces since protests against President Ivan Duque's government began on April 28, originally against a now abandoned tax reform. Watch | Indigenous people have joined in with unions, students and other groups in demanding change to the government's policies on health, education and inequality. Demonstrators from the Misak -- also called Guambiano -- community, originally from the south of the country, arrived at dawn at the statue, erected in 1960, waving their indigenous flags. "Historically he was the biggest slaughterer, torturer, thief and rapist of our women and our children," the group said in a statement. The statement said the "elitist families descended" from De Quesada had "reproduced the great problems" of the country such as the recently abandoned tax reform. Indigenous people in Colombia's southwest have knocked down at least three statues to conquistadors since September 2020. They are waging a historic dispute over land rights but have often been the victims of Colombia's multi-faceted conflict pitting left-wing guerrillas, drug-traffickers, right-wing paramilitaries and the armed forces against each other. Later on Friday, Defense Minister Diego Molano hit out at those criticising the security forces for alleged excessive use of force. Colombia has come under fire from the United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs for its handling of the protests. "There's a stigmatization campaign against the public forces operations on social media that aims to pit them against society," Molano told Blu Radio. The government blames the violence on "vandalism" wrought by left-wing rebels that it says have infiltrated protests. Three members of the security forces have been shot during the protests.

Indigenous Colombians topple conquistador statue in capital

Colombia's government on Thursday invited&nbsp;protest&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;to a&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque.

At least 24 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces while hundreds more have been injured.

Thousands of Colombians including indigenous people, unions and students have taken to the streets to express anger over the government's policies on health, education and inequality.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests ">Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests&nbsp;</a>

They have also denounced what they see as a heavy-handed and lethal response from security forces.

"We have to listen to all sectors of the country but the country also has to listen to the government," presidential advisor Miguel Ceballos told Blu Radio. "That includes those marching but also those not marching."

Ceballos said the government would meet&nbsp;protest&nbsp;leaders, including the National Strike Committee, on Monday.

"The government first wanted to invite those that organize the National Strike Committee although understanding that the mobilizations are not exclusive to this group," said Ceballos.

The National Strike Committee represents various groups including indigenous people, unions, environmentalists and students.

Ceballos later wrote on Twitter that Duque and Vice President Lucia Ramirez would attend the meeting.

Protest&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;have said they would be prepared to have talks directly with Duque, but not with intermediaries.

"The&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;needs to be those on the streets, which is young people," said Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, one of the protesters' main targets.

Duque has faced occasional mass protests against his rule since 2019 and the latest social movement began on April 28, initially against a tax reform that has since been withdrawn.

Although the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been violent clashes throughout the country.

The government blames the violence on armed groups including left-wing rebels and drug traffickers.

The United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs have accused security forces of using excessive force.

Speaking to journalists in Washington on Thursday, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said various government agencies were collaborating to determine who was responsible for the violence and "if there has been any use of excessive force for them to be held accountable."

Colombia's government on Thursday invited protest leaders to a dialogue in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque.

Colombia's government on Thursday invited protest leaders to a dialogue in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque. At least 24 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces while hundreds more have been injured. Thousands of Colombians including indigenous people, unions and students have taken to the streets to express anger over the government's policies on health, education and inequality. Also read | Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests They have also denounced what they see as a heavy-handed and lethal response from security forces. "We have to listen to all sectors of the country but the country also has to listen to the government," presidential advisor Miguel Ceballos told Blu Radio. "That includes those marching but also those not marching." Ceballos said the government would meet protest leaders, including the National Strike Committee, on Monday. "The government first wanted to invite those that organize the National Strike Committee although understanding that the mobilizations are not exclusive to this group," said Ceballos. The National Strike Committee represents various groups including indigenous people, unions, environmentalists and students. Ceballos later wrote on Twitter that Duque and Vice President Lucia Ramirez would attend the meeting. Protest leaders have said they would be prepared to have talks directly with Duque, but not with intermediaries. "The dialogue needs to be those on the streets, which is young people," said Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, one of the protesters' main targets. Duque has faced occasional mass protests against his rule since 2019 and the latest social movement began on April 28, initially against a tax reform that has since been withdrawn. Although the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been violent clashes throughout the country. The government blames the violence on armed groups including left-wing rebels and drug traffickers. The United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs have accused security forces of using excessive force. Speaking to journalists in Washington on Thursday, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said various government agencies were collaborating to determine who was responsible for the violence and "if there has been any use of excessive force for them to be held accountable."

Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders

Calmer protests are being witnessed in the Colombia. Colombian government called for dialogue with protest leaders.

Colombia: Ninth day of consecutive protests, industry groups warn of fuel shortages

The global community has decried the use of violence by security officers after several days of deadly protests. Close to 20 people have lost their lives and 846 wounded in the violence anti- government demonstrations.

EU, UN condemns Colombia crackdown, calls for calm in protests

Solitary bees are enjoying new digs in Barbosa, Colombia, where tiny hotels built by the Aburra Valley Metropolitan Authority provide places to rest and recover after a busy day pollinating.

Busy bees in Colombia get respite in bamboo hotels

Colombia's defence minister on Monday blamed illegal armed groups for looting and vandalism during five days of street&nbsp;protests&nbsp;but would not confirm how many demonstrators had died.

The&nbsp;protests, which began last week, demanded the withdrawal of a tax reform proposed by the government of President Ivan Duque, who said on Sunday, the legislation would be retracted.

Demonstrations resumed on Monday in the capital, Bogota, and other cities including Medellin and Cali despite the announcement, with highways also blocked in some areas of the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests ">Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests&nbsp;</a>

"Colombia&nbsp;faces particular threats from criminal organizations that are behind these violent acts," Defence Minister Diego Molano told a news conference, adding those committing violence were not those marching peacefully.

Molano cited intelligence information in his allegation but did not offer further evidence.

Violent groups were financed and organized by leftist guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former FARC rebels who reject a 2016 peace deal, Molano added.

"We are saddened for all those who lost their lives due to criminal actions during these&nbsp;protests," Molano said.

He would not give specific details on the death toll, saying the attorney general's office would investigate.

The national human rights ombudsman has identified 18 civilians and one police officer who were killed during five days of&nbsp;protests, while the procurator's office said on Sunday it was investigating connections between the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;and 14 violent deaths.

A local human rights group has reported more than 20 deaths.

Truck drivers' and taxi drivers' unions, which had threatened to join&nbsp;protests&nbsp;on Monday, backed out of strikes following the withdrawal of the tax reform.

But some streets were closed by vehicles in Bogota and Medellin, while highways were blocked on the capital's outskirts, as well as in the center and southeast of the country.

Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez said 25% of the capital's mass transit system was out of service following vandalism and urged those who attended marches to get tested for COVID-19.

One major union said in a message on Twitter, it would hold another national strike on Wednesday to protest a health reform, among other things.

Colombia's defence minister on Monday blamed illegal armed groups for looting and vandalism during five days of street protests but would not confirm how many demonstrators had died.

Colombia's defence minister on Monday blamed illegal armed groups for looting and vandalism during five days of street protests but would not confirm how many demonstrators had died. The protests, which began last week, demanded the withdrawal of a tax reform proposed by the government of President Ivan Duque, who said on Sunday, the legislation would be retracted. Demonstrations resumed on Monday in the capital, Bogota, and other cities including Medellin and Cali despite the announcement, with highways also blocked in some areas of the country. Also read: Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests "Colombia faces particular threats from criminal organizations that are behind these violent acts," Defence Minister Diego Molano told a news conference, adding those committing violence were not those marching peacefully. Molano cited intelligence information in his allegation but did not offer further evidence. Violent groups were financed and organized by leftist guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former FARC rebels who reject a 2016 peace deal, Molano added. "We are saddened for all those who lost their lives due to criminal actions during these protests," Molano said. He would not give specific details on the death toll, saying the attorney general's office would investigate. The national human rights ombudsman has identified 18 civilians and one police officer who were killed during five days of protests, while the procurator's office said on Sunday it was investigating connections between the protests and 14 violent deaths. A local human rights group has reported more than 20 deaths. Truck drivers' and taxi drivers' unions, which had threatened to join protests on Monday, backed out of strikes following the withdrawal of the tax reform. But some streets were closed by vehicles in Bogota and Medellin, while highways were blocked on the capital's outskirts, as well as in the center and southeast of the country. Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez said 25% of the capital's mass transit system was out of service following vandalism and urged those who attended marches to get tested for COVID-19. One major union said in a message on Twitter, it would hold another national strike on Wednesday to protest a health reform, among other things.

Colombia blames armed groups for protest violence, death toll still unclear

Colombia's President Ivan Duque has withdrawn a controversial tax reform bill following huge protests across the country. He said that his government would work to produce new proposals and seek consensus with other parties and organizations.

Colombia withdraws tax reform bill after mass protests

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday, he would withdraw a proposed tax reform after deadly protests and widespread lawmaker opposition, though he insisted a reform is still necessary to ensure fiscal stability.&nbsp;

Protests, have led to multiple deaths around the country since they began on Wednesday, continued on Sunday in some cities, despite the announcement.&nbsp;

Duque said on Friday, the law would be revised to remove some of its most controversial points, including the leveling of sales tax on utilities and some food, but the government had previously insisted it could not be withdrawn.&nbsp;

"I am asking Congress to withdraw the law proposed by the finance ministry and urgently process a new law that is the fruit of consensus, in order to avoid financial uncertainty," Duque said in a video.&nbsp;

The reform, which the government has insisted is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes, remains necessary, Duque said.&nbsp;

Political parties, local officials, business leaders and civil society have contributed valuable ideas over the last several days, he said.&nbsp;

There is consensus on the need for temporary taxes on businesses and dividends, an increase in income tax for the wealthiest and deepened state austerity measures, Duque said.&nbsp;

"It is a moment for all of us to work together without malice," he said.&nbsp;

The central bank warned on Friday, failure to approve the reform could have a negative impact on the economy, while a loss of the country's investment-grade credit rating has already been priced in by many investors.&nbsp;

Lawmakers, unions and other groups hailed the announcement as a victory. Celebratory cacerolazos, a traditional protest where people beat pots and pans, could be heard in some neighborhoods.&nbsp;

"It is the youth, social organisations and mobilised citizens, who have seen deaths and defeated the government," leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda said on Twitter. "May the government not present the same reform with make-up. The citizens won't accept tricks."&nbsp;

There is not yet a definite national count of deaths connected to protests, amid incidents of looting, destruction of public transport and road blockades in several cities.&nbsp;

Local officials in Cali, the country's third-largest city and where demonstrations have been the most violent, have confirmed three. One death each occurred in the city of Neiva and the municipality of Madrid and a police officer was killed in Soacha.&nbsp;

The procurator's office said in an afternoon statement, it was investigating 14 deaths nationally, while human rights groups have alleged police abuses, especially in Cali, and said deaths number more than 20.&nbsp;

The national police director said the force would contribute all necessary information to the procurator's investigations.&nbsp;

Duque said late on Saturday, cities at high risk for disturbances would get military assistance, an offer rejected by Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies) &nbsp;

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday, he would withdraw a proposed tax reform after deadly protests and widespread lawmaker opposition, though he insisted a reform is still necessary to ensure fiscal stability.

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday, he would withdraw a proposed tax reform after deadly protests and widespread lawmaker opposition, though he insisted a reform is still necessary to ensure fiscal stability. Protests, have led to multiple deaths around the country since they began on Wednesday, continued on Sunday in some cities, despite the announcement. Duque said on Friday, the law would be revised to remove some of its most controversial points, including the leveling of sales tax on utilities and some food, but the government had previously insisted it could not be withdrawn. "I am asking Congress to withdraw the law proposed by the finance ministry and urgently process a new law that is the fruit of consensus, in order to avoid financial uncertainty," Duque said in a video. The reform, which the government has insisted is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes, remains necessary, Duque said. Political parties, local officials, business leaders and civil society have contributed valuable ideas over the last several days, he said. There is consensus on the need for temporary taxes on businesses and dividends, an increase in income tax for the wealthiest and deepened state austerity measures, Duque said. "It is a moment for all of us to work together without malice," he said. The central bank warned on Friday, failure to approve the reform could have a negative impact on the economy, while a loss of the country's investment-grade credit rating has already been priced in by many investors. Lawmakers, unions and other groups hailed the announcement as a victory. Celebratory cacerolazos, a traditional protest where people beat pots and pans, could be heard in some neighborhoods. "It is the youth, social organisations and mobilised citizens, who have seen deaths and defeated the government," leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda said on Twitter. "May the government not present the same reform with make-up. The citizens won't accept tricks." There is not yet a definite national count of deaths connected to protests, amid incidents of looting, destruction of public transport and road blockades in several cities. Local officials in Cali, the country's third-largest city and where demonstrations have been the most violent, have confirmed three. One death each occurred in the city of Neiva and the municipality of Madrid and a police officer was killed in Soacha. The procurator's office said in an afternoon statement, it was investigating 14 deaths nationally, while human rights groups have alleged police abuses, especially in Cali, and said deaths number more than 20. The national police director said the force would contribute all necessary information to the procurator's investigations. Duque said late on Saturday, cities at high risk for disturbances would get military assistance, an offer rejected by Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez. (With input from agencies)

Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests 

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Saturday for International Workers' Day marches and protests against a government&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reform proposal, in a fourth day of demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths.

Unions and other groups kicked off marches on Wednesday to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the proposal, which originally leveled sales&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on public services and some food.

Cali, the country's third-largest city, has seen the most vociferous marches, some looting and the burning of multiple city buses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence">Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence</a>

Death counts were inconsistent. National human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo said that three protesters died in Cali and another three deaths there were being investigated.

One death each occurred in&nbsp;Bogota&nbsp;and the city of Neiva, Camargo said. A police officer in the city of Soacha died of injuries sustained on Wednesday. A further 179 civilians and 216 police officers have been injured nationally.

Rights organisation Human Rights Watch said it had received reports of possible police abuse in Cali, and local human rights groups alleged up to 14 deaths occurred.

Cities at high risk for violence will continue to get military assistance, with accompanying human rights guarantees, Duque said in a Saturday evening video.

Isolated vandalism, clashes between police and protesters and road blockades occurred in several cities on Saturday, and riot police were deployed in the capital.

Saturday's protests took place despite an announcement by Duque late on Friday that the reform will now not include sales&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on food or utilities or an expansion of income&nbsp;tax.

The government insists the reform is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes.

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Saturday for International Workers' Day marches and protests against a government tax reform proposal, in a fourth day of demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths.

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Saturday for International Workers' Day marches and protests against a government tax reform proposal, in a fourth day of demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths. Unions and other groups kicked off marches on Wednesday to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the proposal, which originally leveled sales tax on public services and some food. Cali, the country's third-largest city, has seen the most vociferous marches, some looting and the burning of multiple city buses. Also read: Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence Death counts were inconsistent. National human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo said that three protesters died in Cali and another three deaths there were being investigated. One death each occurred in Bogota and the city of Neiva, Camargo said. A police officer in the city of Soacha died of injuries sustained on Wednesday. A further 179 civilians and 216 police officers have been injured nationally. Rights organisation Human Rights Watch said it had received reports of possible police abuse in Cali, and local human rights groups alleged up to 14 deaths occurred. Cities at high risk for violence will continue to get military assistance, with accompanying human rights guarantees, Duque said in a Saturday evening video. Isolated vandalism, clashes between police and protesters and road blockades occurred in several cities on Saturday, and riot police were deployed in the capital. Saturday's protests took place despite an announcement by Duque late on Friday that the reform will now not include sales tax on food or utilities or an expansion of income tax. The government insists the reform is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes.

Thousands march in Colombia in fourth day of protests against tax plan

Colombia has deployed more police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid protests against a controversial tax reform, the defense minister said on Friday.

Unions called strikes on Wednesday in Colombia's main cities to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the reform, which it presented to congress earlier this month as it tries to increase tax income.

The most serious riots and vandalism took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Cali, capital of Colombia's Valle del Cauca province, with banks and government offices attacked, among other incidents.

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One man died on Wednesday following confrontations between protesters and the police, while 55 civilians and more than 40 police officers were injured in the last two days, according to local authorities.

"We have discovered that the violent events in Cali were premeditated, planned and sponsored by criminal organisations. We are taking more men and women from the police and the army to guarantee the defence and security of citizens," Defence Minister Diego Molano told reporters at a briefing.

An additional 2,500 members of security forces will be deployed in Cali, he added.

Cali Mayor Jorge&nbsp;Ivan&nbsp;Ospina estimated that losses due to looting and vandalism amounted to around 80,000,000,000 pesos.

The national protests began despite a court order and pleas from authorities to suspend marches due to fears of contagion while Colombia remains gripped in a third wave of coronavirus infections, which has stretched healthcare to breaking point.

The government said it is willing to modify the tax reform bill via debates in Congress. A majority of political parties, in addition to unions and business associations, reject the proposal.

Colombia has deployed more police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid protests against a controversial tax reform, the defense minister said on Friday.

Colombia has deployed more police and army units to Cali, its third-biggest city, in a bid to end disturbances and vandalism amid protests against a controversial tax reform, the defense minister said on Friday. Unions called strikes on Wednesday in Colombia's main cities to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the reform, which it presented to congress earlier this month as it tries to increase tax income. The most serious riots and vandalism took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Cali, capital of Colombia's Valle del Cauca province, with banks and government offices attacked, among other incidents. Also Watch: One man died on Wednesday following confrontations between protesters and the police, while 55 civilians and more than 40 police officers were injured in the last two days, according to local authorities. "We have discovered that the violent events in Cali were premeditated, planned and sponsored by criminal organisations. We are taking more men and women from the police and the army to guarantee the defence and security of citizens," Defence Minister Diego Molano told reporters at a briefing. An additional 2,500 members of security forces will be deployed in Cali, he added. Cali Mayor Jorge Ivan Ospina estimated that losses due to looting and vandalism amounted to around 80,000,000,000 pesos. The national protests began despite a court order and pleas from authorities to suspend marches due to fears of contagion while Colombia remains gripped in a third wave of coronavirus infections, which has stretched healthcare to breaking point. The government said it is willing to modify the tax reform bill via debates in Congress. A majority of political parties, in addition to unions and business associations, reject the proposal.

Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence

Thousands of protesters answered calls from Colombia's biggest unions to come out on streets around the country on Wednesday in protest against a controversial tax reform proposal.

Thousands of Colombians take it to streets to protest against tax increase

Colombia's capital is all set to repeat a three-day lockdown this weekend in a bid to slow coronavirus infections.

Your Story: Colombia witnesses deadliest day of pandemic

Venezuelan forces detained members of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel during clashes with armed groups near its western border with Colombia, a top Venezuelan military official said on Friday. &nbsp;

Venezuela's military on March 21 launched an offensive against what officials called irregular Colombian armed groups in the western state of Apure. About eight Venezuelan soldiers have died during the operations, which have caused about 5,000 people to flee across the border.&nbsp;

"We even captured some individuals from the Sinaloa cartel," the chief of Venezuela's strategic operational command, Remigio Ceballos, said in a telephone call broadcast on state television. &nbsp;

Ceballos did not specify the names of the people detained, nor how many cartel members were taken into custody. He said some individuals from Brazil were also detained, and said all would be presented to the country's courts.&nbsp;

The fighting has occurred near the border town of La Victoria, about 628 km (390 miles) southwest of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. &nbsp;

Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for further details about the arrests. &nbsp;

Colombia's government has said that the Sinaloa cartel is active in the South American country and has alliances with local rebel groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who have rejected a 2016 peace deal.&nbsp;

Venezuela, which this week created a special military unit for the border region, has not specified which groups it is fighting along the border. Critics of President Nicolas Maduro say the fighters include dissident FARC guerrillas, who his government had previously accommodated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Venezuelan forces detained members of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel during clashes with armed groups near its western border with Colombia, a top Venezuelan military official said on Friday.

Venezuelan forces detained members of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel during clashes with armed groups near its western border with Colombia, a top Venezuelan military official said on Friday. Venezuela's military on March 21 launched an offensive against what officials called irregular Colombian armed groups in the western state of Apure. About eight Venezuelan soldiers have died during the operations, which have caused about 5,000 people to flee across the border. "We even captured some individuals from the Sinaloa cartel," the chief of Venezuela's strategic operational command, Remigio Ceballos, said in a telephone call broadcast on state television. Ceballos did not specify the names of the people detained, nor how many cartel members were taken into custody. He said some individuals from Brazil were also detained, and said all would be presented to the country's courts. The fighting has occurred near the border town of La Victoria, about 628 km (390 miles) southwest of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for further details about the arrests. Colombia's government has said that the Sinaloa cartel is active in the South American country and has alliances with local rebel groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who have rejected a 2016 peace deal. Venezuela, which this week created a special military unit for the border region, has not specified which groups it is fighting along the border. Critics of President Nicolas Maduro say the fighters include dissident FARC guerrillas, who his government had previously accommodated. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela detains Sinaloa cartel members in clash at Colombian border 

Venezuela has created a special military unit called Integrated Operational Defense Zone, for an area on its border with Colombia that has been the center of clashes between troops and illegal armed groups since last month.

Venezuela creates military unit on Colombia border

An endangered spectacled bear was released back into the wild in Colombia on Tuesday (March 30), after a year-long medical treatment by vets.

Rescued spectacled bear released back into the wild in Colombia

At 13, she left home to join the guerrillas. Now, at 15, Yeimi Sofía Vega lay in a coffin, killed during a military operation ordered by her government.

Some of the youngest children in her town, Puerto Cachicamo, led her funeral procession, waving small white flags as they wound past the school, with its mildewed books and broken benches, past the shuttered health clinic and their small wooden houses.

“We don’t want bombs,” the children chanted, marching down a dusty road to the cemetery. “We want opportunities.”

Nearly five years after Colombia signed a historic peace accord with its largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the country’s internal war is far from over.

Remote towns like Puerto Cachicamo have yet to see the schools, clinics and jobs the government promised in the agreement. Thousands of dissident FARC combatants have returned to battle, or never laid down their arms, and are fighting rivals for control of illicit markets. Mass killings and forced displacement are again regular occurrences.

And young people — trapped between an often absent state, the aggressive recruitment of armed groups and the firepower of the military — are once again the conflict’s most vulnerable targets.

That was evident this month, when the government bombed a rebel camp in an effort to take out a high-profile dissident FARC leader known by the alias Gentil Duarte. The camp turned out to be full of young people who had been recruited by the group — and the operation killed at least two minors, including Yeimi Sofía.

The defense minister, Diego Molano, blamed the rebels for the deaths, pointing out that they were the ones turning adolescents into government targets by converting them into “machines of war.”

The phrase electrified Colombian society, with some saying Molano was being blunt but precise, and others saying it was this rhetoric — characterizing poor children as enemies of the state, instead of victims of its neglect — that was once again driving young people to the guerrillas.

Child recruitment was a common feature of the country’s decadeslong war. Now, rebels are at it again, circling town plazas, hanging recruitment posters, passing money to adolescents, charming the girls, then persuading them to join the fight.

The bombing also raised critical questions of accountability in a country still grappling with atrocities committed by all sides during a conflict that left at least 220,000 dead: Did authorities know there were minors at the camp? Was the attack launched anyway?

Puerto Cachicamo sits on the Guayabero River, at the intersection of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon region, and the country’s vast plains. One of its defining characteristics is the near total absence of the state.

Before the peace deal, the FARC had a grip on this region, punishing petty criminals, issuing taxes and organizing work crews, all under the threat of violence. They also commonly recruited young people.

In 2016, when the FARC signed the peace deal and demobilized, its fighters left in a fleet of boats on the Guayabero River.

Three months later, the FARC dissidents arrived, said Jhon Albert Montilla, 36, the father of another girl killed in the military bombing, Danna Liseth Montilla, 16.

The last time Montilla saw his daughter was Jan. 1, he said. Danna, who turned 16 in October, was an aspiring journalist who had begun working with Voces del Guayabero, a group of citizen documentarians.

Just as the pandemic began, the government had stepped up coca eradication in the area, prompting protests from locals who saw their livelihoods in danger. Cameramen from Voces rushed to the scenes.

As the military clashed with protesters — shooting several civilians during different encounters — Danna sat in a small shop, one of the few places in Puerto Cachicamo with reliable electricity, editing the videos and uploading them to the internet over a feeble connection.

“But her desire was to be with us in the field,” said Fernando Montes Osorio, a cameraman with Voces who was shot in one clash, leaving his hand permanently mangled.

Because Danna was young, he kept her in the editing room, he said. But they spoke often. “She was focused on the idea that things had to change.”

Then one day in January, she disappeared.

This was not the first time since the peace accord that the government has killed minors in a military operation.

The bombing of another FARC dissident camp in 2019 led to the deaths of eight children and adolescents. Guillermo Botero, then minister of defense, was forced to resign months later, after an opposition senator revealed that he had hidden the victims’ ages from the public.

The scandal was a major test for newly installed President Iván Duque, a conservative whose party vociferously opposed the peace deal.

His critics say his post-accord strategy focuses too much on taking out big-name criminal leaders, and not enough on implementing social programs that were supposed to address the root causes of the war.

His supporters have urged patience. “We cannot undo 56 years of war in just two years,” said Duque’s high commissioner for peace, Miguel Ceballos, in an interview last year.

A total of 12 people died in the operation this month, and it’s still unclear how many of them were minors.

The bombing killed 10 people, according to the military, while two died in confrontations afterward. Most of the dead identified so far by the national medical examiner’s office are between the ages of 19 and 23.&nbsp;It’s unclear whether the March bombing was legal, said René Provost, a professor of international law at McGill University.

Under international law, children who join an armed group can become combatants, and can therefore be legally attacked by governments.

But the law also requires state actors to investigate whether minors are present at a particular target, and if they are, to search for alternative strategies that might spare the children, or to consider whether the value of the target is high enough to justify the deaths of adolescents.

“Humanitarian law imposes a duty to exercise restraints in attacks against child soldiers,” he said, “and if such duties were ignored, it opens the door for criminal accountability for those who took the decisions.”

In the most extreme circumstance, if a government fails to investigate and punish those responsible, such a case could be taken up by the International Criminal Court.

In an interview, defense minister Diego Molano said that the attack fit within the parameters of international law.

He declined repeatedly to say whether the military knew if minors were present at the camp, adding that it was generally “very difficult” to determine the ages of people present at a military target.

But he has also said that the presence of children would not necessarily stop such an operation.

“What criminals like Gentil Duarte have to take into account is that they cannot continue to recruit young people and hope that this will limit the use of the legitimate force of the state,” he told the newspaper El Espectador. “Children must be protected when appropriate, but force must also be used.”

At 13, she left home to join the guerrillas. Now, at 15, Yeimi Sofía Vega lay in a coffin, killed during a military operation ordered by her government. Some of the youngest children in her town, Puerto Cachicamo, led her funeral procession, waving small white flags as they wound past the school, with its mildewed books and broken benches, past the shuttered health clinic and their small wooden houses.

At 13, she left home to join the guerrillas. Now, at 15, Yeimi Sofía Vega lay in a coffin, killed during a military operation ordered by her government. Some of the youngest children in her town, Puerto Cachicamo, led her funeral procession, waving small white flags as they wound past the school, with its mildewed books and broken benches, past the shuttered health clinic and their small wooden houses. “We don’t want bombs,” the children chanted, marching down a dusty road to the cemetery. “We want opportunities.” Nearly five years after Colombia signed a historic peace accord with its largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the country’s internal war is far from over. Remote towns like Puerto Cachicamo have yet to see the schools, clinics and jobs the government promised in the agreement. Thousands of dissident FARC combatants have returned to battle, or never laid down their arms, and are fighting rivals for control of illicit markets. Mass killings and forced displacement are again regular occurrences. And young people — trapped between an often absent state, the aggressive recruitment of armed groups and the firepower of the military — are once again the conflict’s most vulnerable targets. That was evident this month, when the government bombed a rebel camp in an effort to take out a high-profile dissident FARC leader known by the alias Gentil Duarte. The camp turned out to be full of young people who had been recruited by the group — and the operation killed at least two minors, including Yeimi Sofía. The defense minister, Diego Molano, blamed the rebels for the deaths, pointing out that they were the ones turning adolescents into government targets by converting them into “machines of war.” The phrase electrified Colombian society, with some saying Molano was being blunt but precise, and others saying it was this rhetoric — characterizing poor children as enemies of the state, instead of victims of its neglect — that was once again driving young people to the guerrillas. Child recruitment was a common feature of the country’s decadeslong war. Now, rebels are at it again, circling town plazas, hanging recruitment posters, passing money to adolescents, charming the girls, then persuading them to join the fight. The bombing also raised critical questions of accountability in a country still grappling with atrocities committed by all sides during a conflict that left at least 220,000 dead: Did authorities know there were minors at the camp? Was the attack launched anyway? Puerto Cachicamo sits on the Guayabero River, at the intersection of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon region, and the country’s vast plains. One of its defining characteristics is the near total absence of the state. Before the peace deal, the FARC had a grip on this region, punishing petty criminals, issuing taxes and organizing work crews, all under the threat of violence. They also commonly recruited young people. In 2016, when the FARC signed the peace deal and demobilized, its fighters left in a fleet of boats on the Guayabero River. Three months later, the FARC dissidents arrived, said Jhon Albert Montilla, 36, the father of another girl killed in the military bombing, Danna Liseth Montilla, 16. The last time Montilla saw his daughter was Jan. 1, he said. Danna, who turned 16 in October, was an aspiring journalist who had begun working with Voces del Guayabero, a group of citizen documentarians. Just as the pandemic began, the government had stepped up coca eradication in the area, prompting protests from locals who saw their livelihoods in danger. Cameramen from Voces rushed to the scenes. As the military clashed with protesters — shooting several civilians during different encounters — Danna sat in a small shop, one of the few places in Puerto Cachicamo with reliable electricity, editing the videos and uploading them to the internet over a feeble connection. “But her desire was to be with us in the field,” said Fernando Montes Osorio, a cameraman with Voces who was shot in one clash, leaving his hand permanently mangled. Because Danna was young, he kept her in the editing room, he said. But they spoke often. “She was focused on the idea that things had to change.” Then one day in January, she disappeared. This was not the first time since the peace accord that the government has killed minors in a military operation. The bombing of another FARC dissident camp in 2019 led to the deaths of eight children and adolescents. Guillermo Botero, then minister of defense, was forced to resign months later, after an opposition senator revealed that he had hidden the victims’ ages from the public. The scandal was a major test for newly installed President Iván Duque, a conservative whose party vociferously opposed the peace deal. His critics say his post-accord strategy focuses too much on taking out big-name criminal leaders, and not enough on implementing social programs that were supposed to address the root causes of the war. His supporters have urged patience. “We cannot undo 56 years of war in just two years,” said Duque’s high commissioner for peace, Miguel Ceballos, in an interview last year. A total of 12 people died in the operation this month, and it’s still unclear how many of them were minors. The bombing killed 10 people, according to the military, while two died in confrontations afterward. Most of the dead identified so far by the national medical examiner’s office are between the ages of 19 and 23. It’s unclear whether the March bombing was legal, said René Provost, a professor of international law at McGill University. Under international law, children who join an armed group can become combatants, and can therefore be legally attacked by governments. But the law also requires state actors to investigate whether minors are present at a particular target, and if they are, to search for alternative strategies that might spare the children, or to consider whether the value of the target is high enough to justify the deaths of adolescents. “Humanitarian law imposes a duty to exercise restraints in attacks against child soldiers,” he said, “and if such duties were ignored, it opens the door for criminal accountability for those who took the decisions.” In the most extreme circumstance, if a government fails to investigate and punish those responsible, such a case could be taken up by the International Criminal Court. In an interview, defense minister Diego Molano said that the attack fit within the parameters of international law. He declined repeatedly to say whether the military knew if minors were present at the camp, adding that it was generally “very difficult” to determine the ages of people present at a military target. But he has also said that the presence of children would not necessarily stop such an operation. “What criminals like Gentil Duarte have to take into account is that they cannot continue to recruit young people and hope that this will limit the use of the legitimate force of the state,” he told the newspaper El Espectador. “Children must be protected when appropriate, but force must also be used.”

Children trapped by Colombia’s war, five years after peace deal

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Three-year-old Jhonatan was playing with his brother Alfonso, 7, in their garden in western Bogota on Sept. 25, 1988, when a family friend approached inviting him to buy candy.

Jhonatan went with the man, vanishing without a trace for 32 years.

Their middle brother Juan Jimenez, then 5, was looking out the window when the man took his brother. He says he grew up surrounded by Alfonso`s guilt and their mother Ana`s grief over the disappearance.

Six years later, in 1994, the man returned to the house and alleged the boys` stepfather had asked him to take the child.

The family would not discuss the stepfather further and Reuters was unable to contact him. The man said - falsely - that Jhonatan had been adopted in the United States.

Juan vowed to find his brother.

"That was the obsession for me," said Juan, who moved to the United States in 2007 to work as an actor. "I grew up seeing Mommy suffering so much ... that was my big desire, to try to do something in this situation."

Years later, Juan found the man who had taken Jhonatan on social media, but the man died before they could meet.

Then he received an email from DNA company MyHeritage about a competition it was holding to win a free DNA testing kit for the most compelling family story.

"I start praying and praying ... And that email popped up in my computer," he said. "So I sent the story of my brother. They replied to me: they approved me."

Juan, a devout Christian, said God told him that once he completed the DNA test, his brother would do the same and contact him. "And that`s exactly how it happened."

In 2019, Juan got a message from a 34-year-old lawyer in Norway, who said he had been adopted at age 4 and was trying to find his biological family.

"The (DNA) result suggests you are my half brother, uncle or nephew," the message said. "It seems I am closer to finding more information about what happened in Colombia in the 80s."

Juan went to Norway in January 2020 to meet Jhonatan, now John. The brothers then returned to Colombia.

"I always wanted to find my family," said Jhonatan. "It was hard for me going through all my childhood, not knowing about my biological family."

Jhonatan grew up knowing he had been adopted from Colombia, but had been told his biological parents abandoned him, taking him to an orphanage in the city of Ibague. He only learned about his abduction when he met his biological family.

Trapped in Colombia by a coronavirus lockdown on a second visit last year, Jhonatan studied Spanish and celebrated all the birthdays he had missed with his Colombian family, including with delighted mother Ana.

Ana says she never lost hope of seeing Jhonatan again and knew in her heart he was alive and would return someday.

"We can never get back the 32 years we missed," Jhonatan said. "But we can make the next 32 the most amazing moments in our lives."

Three-year-old Jhonatan was playing with his brother Alfonso, 7, in their garden in western Bogota on Sept. 25, 1988, when a family friend approached inviting him to buy candy.

Three-year-old Jhonatan was playing with his brother Alfonso, 7, in their garden in western Bogota on Sept. 25, 1988, when a family friend approached inviting him to buy candy. Jhonatan went with the man, vanishing without a trace for 32 years. Their middle brother Juan Jimenez, then 5, was looking out the window when the man took his brother. He says he grew up surrounded by Alfonso`s guilt and their mother Ana`s grief over the disappearance. Six years later, in 1994, the man returned to the house and alleged the boys` stepfather had asked him to take the child. The family would not discuss the stepfather further and Reuters was unable to contact him. The man said - falsely - that Jhonatan had been adopted in the United States. Juan vowed to find his brother. "That was the obsession for me," said Juan, who moved to the United States in 2007 to work as an actor. "I grew up seeing Mommy suffering so much ... that was my big desire, to try to do something in this situation." Years later, Juan found the man who had taken Jhonatan on social media, but the man died before they could meet. Then he received an email from DNA company MyHeritage about a competition it was holding to win a free DNA testing kit for the most compelling family story. "I start praying and praying ... And that email popped up in my computer," he said. "So I sent the story of my brother. They replied to me: they approved me." Juan, a devout Christian, said God told him that once he completed the DNA test, his brother would do the same and contact him. "And that`s exactly how it happened." In 2019, Juan got a message from a 34-year-old lawyer in Norway, who said he had been adopted at age 4 and was trying to find his biological family. "The (DNA) result suggests you are my half brother, uncle or nephew," the message said. "It seems I am closer to finding more information about what happened in Colombia in the 80s." Juan went to Norway in January 2020 to meet Jhonatan, now John. The brothers then returned to Colombia. "I always wanted to find my family," said Jhonatan. "It was hard for me going through all my childhood, not knowing about my biological family." Jhonatan grew up knowing he had been adopted from Colombia, but had been told his biological parents abandoned him, taking him to an orphanage in the city of Ibague. He only learned about his abduction when he met his biological family. Trapped in Colombia by a coronavirus lockdown on a second visit last year, Jhonatan studied Spanish and celebrated all the birthdays he had missed with his Colombian family, including with delighted mother Ana. Ana says she never lost hope of seeing Jhonatan again and knew in her heart he was alive and would return someday. "We can never get back the 32 years we missed," Jhonatan said. "But we can make the next 32 the most amazing moments in our lives."

Colombian man's search for missing brother ends in joy after 32 years

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