Colombian Navy announced on Sunday (March 12) that a semi-submersible vessel with two dead bodies and nearly three tonnes of cocaine on board was seized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the country.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Colombian Navy mentioned that they also found two surviving crew members, who are "in poor health". They were given medical attention to save their lives.&nbsp;

The Navy informed that "apparently there was an accident inside the semi-submersible vessel due to the generation of toxic gases from fuel".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indiana-yellow-chemical-plume-disperses-in-new-albany-investigation-underway-572065">Indiana: Yellow chemical plume disperses in New Albany, investigation underway</a>&nbsp;

Captain Cristian Andres Guzman Echeverry said in a video released by the navy: "These people's poor health state is presumably due to the inhalation of toxic fumes caused by fuel problems inside the boat."&nbsp;

The Navy added in its statement: "With this operational deployment that had foreign support, more than $87 million dollars were prevented from entering the financial structures of drug trafficking organisations that commit crimes in the Colombian Pacific and more than six million doses from circulating in the international illegal market."&nbsp;

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It mentioned: "The Colombian Navy will continue deploying all its capabilities to counter the scourge of drug trafficking structures that commit crimes in the Colombian Pacific."&nbsp;

The submersible vessel, the rescued people, the bodies, and the shipment were escorted by the navy to a port at Tumaco in southwestern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador. Navy officials said the shipment of drugs was headed to Central America.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Colombian Navy announced on Sunday (March 12) that a semi-submersible vessel with two dead bodies and nearly three tonnes of cocaine on board was seized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the country.

Colombian Navy announced on Sunday (March 12) that a semi-submersible vessel with two dead bodies and nearly three tonnes of cocaine on board was seized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the country. In a statement, the Colombian Navy mentioned that they also found two surviving crew members, who are "in poor health". They were given medical attention to save their lives. The Navy informed that "apparently there was an accident inside the semi-submersible vessel due to the generation of toxic gases from fuel". ALSO READ | Indiana: Yellow chemical plume disperses in New Albany, investigation underway Captain Cristian Andres Guzman Echeverry said in a video released by the navy: "These people's poor health state is presumably due to the inhalation of toxic fumes caused by fuel problems inside the boat." The Navy added in its statement: "With this operational deployment that had foreign support, more than $87 million dollars were prevented from entering the financial structures of drug trafficking organisations that commit crimes in the Colombian Pacific and more than six million doses from circulating in the international illegal market." × It mentioned: "The Colombian Navy will continue deploying all its capabilities to counter the scourge of drug trafficking structures that commit crimes in the Colombian Pacific." The submersible vessel, the rescued people, the bodies, and the shipment were escorted by the navy to a port at Tumaco in southwestern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador. Navy officials said the shipment of drugs was headed to Central America. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Colombian navy seizes semi-submersible craft carrying tonnes of cocaine, finds two bodies

Colombia is planning to send as many as 70 Cocaine Hippos to India and Mexico. These are descendants of the Hippos domesticated by the drug lord Pablo Escobar at his private zoo. The move aims to control the animal's booming population.

'Cocaine Hippos' find a new home; Colombia to send hippos to India, Mexico

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on Friday (March 3) announced that he and his ministers have negotiated the release of the 88 people taken hostage by the indigenous and rural demonstrators of the country’s southern Caqueta province. This comes a day after violent protests erupted against the Chinese-state-owned company subsidiary, Emerald Energy where around 79 officers and nine workers at the oilfield were taken hostage and two people were killed.&nbsp;

“Thanks to the efforts of the Minister of Defence and the Interior, all members of the police and oil company officials held in San Vicente del Caguan, Caqueta, have been released,” said Petro on Twitter. Following the announcement, Petro also released a video, promising to hold a “dialogue” with the community “about their needs, their complaints.” 
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Gracias a las gestiones del ministro de defensa y del interior han sido liberados todos los miembros de la policía y los funcionarios de la petrolera retenidos en San Vicente del Caguán, Caqueta.
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He added, "Violent action practically destroys not just the possibility of having a grassroots progressive government but also the very paths to peace". Petro&nbsp;also offered condolences to those harmed during the demonstrations and condemned the violence that took place on Thursday, calling it counterproductive.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-two-dead-nearly-90-held-hostage-amid-protests-against-oil-company-567967">Colombia: Two dead, nearly 90 held hostage amid protests against oil company</a>

One police officer and a civilian were killed during the protests while 79 officers and nine Emerald Energy workers were taken hostage by the rural communities who demanded that the company help fix roads in the region as well as provide compensation for environmental damage caused to the surrounding area. The Colombian president also called for an investigation into the two deaths where a civilian and a police officer, later identified as 39-year-old Ricardo Arley Monroy, were shot dead.&nbsp;

The country’s police, on Thursday, said violence erupted in a rural area of the San Vicente del Caguan municipality where an Emerald Energy oil field was attacked and set on fire by the protesters. Notably, protests are not rare in the country as communities have pushed for companies to build infrastructure like roads and schools.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violence-in-colombia-protesters-demand-oil-firm-to-build-roads-int-he-region-568083">Violence in Colombia: Protesters demand oil firm to build roads in the region</a>

After the protests, several government officials, including human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo, defence minister Ivan Velasquez, and interior minister Alfonso Prada, visited San Vicente del Caguan to meet with protesters, as per media reports. Subsequently, during the negotiations, Prada said that government dialogue would only take place after the release of all the hostages by Friday morning.&nbsp;

Around 4,000 people took part in the protests on Thursday, said a spokesperson from the community to Al Jazeera. The spokesperson, who was not identified in the media report, also denied claims of the presence of armed groups calling it an attempt to delegitimise the protesters’ demands.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on Friday (March 3) announced that he and his ministers have negotiated the release of the 88 people taken hostage by the indigenous and rural demonstrators of the country’s southern Caqueta province.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, on Friday (March 3) announced that he and his ministers have negotiated the release of the 88 people taken hostage by the indigenous and rural demonstrators of the country’s southern Caqueta province. This comes a day after violent protests erupted against the Chinese-state-owned company subsidiary, Emerald Energy where around 79 officers and nine workers at the oilfield were taken hostage and two people were killed. “Thanks to the efforts of the Minister of Defence and the Interior, all members of the police and oil company officials held in San Vicente del Caguan, Caqueta, have been released,” said Petro on Twitter. Following the announcement, Petro also released a video, promising to hold a “dialogue” with the community “about their needs, their complaints.” Gracias a las gestiones del ministro de defensa y del interior han sido liberados todos los miembros de la policía y los funcionarios de la petrolera retenidos en San Vicente del Caguán, Caqueta. — Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) March 3, 2023 × He added, "Violent action practically destroys not just the possibility of having a grassroots progressive government but also the very paths to peace". Petro also offered condolences to those harmed during the demonstrations and condemned the violence that took place on Thursday, calling it counterproductive. ALSO READ | Colombia: Two dead, nearly 90 held hostage amid protests against oil company One police officer and a civilian were killed during the protests while 79 officers and nine Emerald Energy workers were taken hostage by the rural communities who demanded that the company help fix roads in the region as well as provide compensation for environmental damage caused to the surrounding area. The Colombian president also called for an investigation into the two deaths where a civilian and a police officer, later identified as 39-year-old Ricardo Arley Monroy, were shot dead. The country’s police, on Thursday, said violence erupted in a rural area of the San Vicente del Caguan municipality where an Emerald Energy oil field was attacked and set on fire by the protesters. Notably, protests are not rare in the country as communities have pushed for companies to build infrastructure like roads and schools. ALSO WATCH | Violence in Colombia: Protesters demand oil firm to build roads in the region After the protests, several government officials, including human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo, defence minister Ivan Velasquez, and interior minister Alfonso Prada, visited San Vicente del Caguan to meet with protesters, as per media reports. Subsequently, during the negotiations, Prada said that government dialogue would only take place after the release of all the hostages by Friday morning. Around 4,000 people took part in the protests on Thursday, said a spokesperson from the community to Al Jazeera. The spokesperson, who was not identified in the media report, also denied claims of the presence of armed groups calling it an attempt to delegitimise the protesters’ demands. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nearly 90 people taken hostage during protests against energy company in Colombia released

At least 70 hippopotamuses which were illegally imported by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar from Africa in the 1980s and currently living near his former ranch are being considered to be sent to India and Mexico as local authorities plan to control their population.

According to reports, the local authorities have been struggling to ensure the maintenance of these hippos, who are also said to be threatening the local ecosystem.

It is said that since they do not have a natural predator in Colombia, their faeces are changing the composition of nearby rivers, affecting manatees, capybaras and other animals.

They are currently living in the Hacienda Napoles ranch, located 200 km from Bogota along the Magdalena River. Authorities estimate that there are about 130 hippos in the area in Antioquia province and their population could reach 400 in eight years, reports AP news agency.

Last year, Colombia’s government declared them a toxic invasive species.

The Colombian environment authorise have, over the years, devised a plan with counterparts in India and Mexico to rehome a group of these hippos, said Lina Marcela de los Ríos Morales, director of animal protection and welfare at Antioquia’s environment ministry.

Indian and Mexican officials are yet to respond to this matter.

Of the 70 hippos, 60 are being proposed to send to the Greens Zoological Rescue &amp; Rehabilitation Kingdom in Gujarat, India. De los Ríos Morales said India would bear the cost of the containers and airlift.

<h2>Lockheed Martin's production hits record high</h2>

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While another 10 hippos would go to zoos and sanctuaries in Mexico such as the Ostok, located in Sinaloa.

The plan is to send the hippos living in the rivers surrounding the Hacienda Napoles ranch, and not the ones inside the ranch. Officials said that the ones living inside the branch are in a controlled environment and don’t threaten the local ecosystem.

Apart from that, Ecuador, the Philippines and Botswana have also expressed their willingness to receive the relocated Colombian hippos, the Antioquia Governor’s Office said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 70 hippopotamuses which were illegally imported by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar from Africa in the 1980s and currently living near his former ranch are being considered to be sent to India and Mexico as local authorities plan to control their population.

At least 70 hippopotamuses which were illegally imported by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar from Africa in the 1980s and currently living near his former ranch are being considered to be sent to India and Mexico as local authorities plan to control their population. According to reports, the local authorities have been struggling to ensure the maintenance of these hippos, who are also said to be threatening the local ecosystem. It is said that since they do not have a natural predator in Colombia, their faeces are changing the composition of nearby rivers, affecting manatees, capybaras and other animals. They are currently living in the Hacienda Napoles ranch, located 200 km from Bogota along the Magdalena River. Authorities estimate that there are about 130 hippos in the area in Antioquia province and their population could reach 400 in eight years, reports AP news agency. Last year, Colombia’s government declared them a toxic invasive species. The Colombian environment authorise have, over the years, devised a plan with counterparts in India and Mexico to rehome a group of these hippos, said Lina Marcela de los Ríos Morales, director of animal protection and welfare at Antioquia’s environment ministry. Indian and Mexican officials are yet to respond to this matter. Of the 70 hippos, 60 are being proposed to send to the Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Kingdom in Gujarat, India. De los Ríos Morales said India would bear the cost of the containers and airlift. Lockheed Martin's production hits record high While another 10 hippos would go to zoos and sanctuaries in Mexico such as the Ostok, located in Sinaloa. The plan is to send the hippos living in the rivers surrounding the Hacienda Napoles ranch, and not the ones inside the ranch. Officials said that the ones living inside the branch are in a controlled environment and don’t threaten the local ecosystem. Apart from that, Ecuador, the Philippines and Botswana have also expressed their willingness to receive the relocated Colombian hippos, the Antioquia Governor’s Office said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Colombia mulling to send Pablo Escobar’s hippos to India, Mexico

At least one police officer and a civilian have been killed after violent protests erupted against the Chinese-state-owned company subsidiary, Emerald Energy, in Colombia’s Caqueta province on Thursday (March 2). Some 79 officers and nine workers at the oilfield were taken hostage by the rural communities, said the human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo, in a statement.&nbsp;

“It's lamentable that, amid these protests, a policeman and civilian were killed, while several policemen were detained and others were injured”, said Camargo, as per Reuters. According to the Colombian police, violence erupted in a rural area of the San Vicente del Caguan municipality where an Emerald Energy oil field was attacked and set on fire by the protesters.&nbsp;

Police sources told Reuters, that one officer and a civilian died from gunshot wounds and they suspect the involvement of the rebel group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who are present in the area in the recent protests. People from rural and indigenous communities had blocked access to the oil field and demanded that the Sinochem subsidiary help fix roads in the region.&nbsp;

Notably, protests are not rare in the country as communities have pushed for companies to build infrastructure like roads and schools. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter and said that he has ordered a joint commission from the country’s defence and interior ministries as well as the military to be dispatched to the region to put an end to the violence.&nbsp;

In a series of statements, Petro also seemingly accused rebel groups like the FARC of wanting to destroy the government and plunge Colombia into war. “The extremes come together in practice. The prosecutor’s office…must investigate and identify the criminals who caused the deaths in Caquetá. I expect the collaboration of the national peasantry to free the retained officials of my government,” said the Colombian president.&nbsp; 
 
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At least one police officer and a civilian have been killed after violent protests erupted against the Chinese-state-owned company subsidiary, Emerald Energy, in Colombia’s Caqueta province on Thursday (March 2).

At least one police officer and a civilian have been killed after violent protests erupted against the Chinese-state-owned company subsidiary, Emerald Energy, in Colombia’s Caqueta province on Thursday (March 2). Some 79 officers and nine workers at the oilfield were taken hostage by the rural communities, said the human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo, in a statement. “It's lamentable that, amid these protests, a policeman and civilian were killed, while several policemen were detained and others were injured”, said Camargo, as per Reuters. According to the Colombian police, violence erupted in a rural area of the San Vicente del Caguan municipality where an Emerald Energy oil field was attacked and set on fire by the protesters. Police sources told Reuters, that one officer and a civilian died from gunshot wounds and they suspect the involvement of the rebel group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who are present in the area in the recent protests. People from rural and indigenous communities had blocked access to the oil field and demanded that the Sinochem subsidiary help fix roads in the region. Notably, protests are not rare in the country as communities have pushed for companies to build infrastructure like roads and schools. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter and said that he has ordered a joint commission from the country’s defence and interior ministries as well as the military to be dispatched to the region to put an end to the violence. In a series of statements, Petro also seemingly accused rebel groups like the FARC of wanting to destroy the government and plunge Colombia into war. “The extremes come together in practice. The prosecutor’s office…must investigate and identify the criminals who caused the deaths in Caquetá. I expect the collaboration of the national peasantry to free the retained officials of my government,” said the Colombian president. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Colombia: Two dead, nearly 90 held hostage amid protests against oil company

During one protest in Colombia, 79 offices and nine oil field workers reportedly were taken hostage by members of rural communities who also blocked access to an oil field and started a fire.

Violence in Colombia: Protesters demand oil firm to build roads in the region

While the world is still figuring out ways for transitioning into the virtual world of metaverse, Colombia's court held its first legal trial inside the metaverse.

Colombian court holds 2-3 hour long virtual court hearing

Colombians have taken to the streets to rally in favour of the President's reforms. The rallies, called for by leftist Petro, took place one day after he presented a health reform to Congress.

Colombians rally in support of President's reforms

ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot is back in the headlines. This time a Colombian judge used the chatbot to aid his decision making on a child's insurance case. Are we becoming too dependent on AI for our work? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Colombian judge uses ChatGPT in child's medical rights case

Colombian Judge has admitted that he has used the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT for decision making. He used it in an autistic child's insurance case. Watch further to know more.

Colombian Judge uses AI for decision making

One of Colombia's most infamous drug lords admitted guilt to cocaine trafficking charges in a New York court on Wednesday (January 25), as part of a plea agreement.&nbsp;

The Gulf Clan, the greatest narcotics trafficking organisation in Colombia, was led by Dairo Antonio Usuga, also known as "Otoniel." The 51-year-old was extradited to the US last year and initially entered a not-guilty plea to drug trafficking charges.

Usuga has pleaded guilty to three counts and agreed to pay $216 million. He will have to serve at least 20 years in jail, but the maximum sentence is life.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clash-between-rebel-groups-in-colombia-leaves-10-dead-claims-human-rights-official-551746">Clash between rebel groups in Colombia leave 10 dead, claims human rights official</a>

Usuga and the Gulf Clan were charged with smuggling at least 73 tonnes of cocaine into the nation illegally between 2003 and 2012.

Usuga was the most wanted man in Colombia until he was captured in the northwest of the nation in October 2021 following a significant military operation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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One of Colombia's most infamous drug lords admitted guilt to cocaine trafficking charges in a New York court on Wednesday (January 25), as part of a plea agreement.

One of Colombia's most infamous drug lords admitted guilt to cocaine trafficking charges in a New York court on Wednesday (January 25), as part of a plea agreement. The Gulf Clan, the greatest narcotics trafficking organisation in Colombia, was led by Dairo Antonio Usuga, also known as "Otoniel." The 51-year-old was extradited to the US last year and initially entered a not-guilty plea to drug trafficking charges. Usuga has pleaded guilty to three counts and agreed to pay $216 million. He will have to serve at least 20 years in jail, but the maximum sentence is life. Also read | Clash between rebel groups in Colombia leave 10 dead, claims human rights official Usuga and the Gulf Clan were charged with smuggling at least 73 tonnes of cocaine into the nation illegally between 2003 and 2012. Usuga was the most wanted man in Colombia until he was captured in the northwest of the nation in October 2021 following a significant military operation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Colombian drug kingpin 'Otoniel' pleads guilty in New York court

The Colombian government said on Wednesday that the interior ministry has decided to suspend the ceasefire agreement with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels. The announcement came a day after the guerrilla outfit denied signing a six-month ceasefire pact with the authorities.

"In view of the position publicly assumed yesterday (Tuesday)... we have decided to suspend the legal effects of the decree" which had established a bilateral truce with the ELN from January 1 to June 30, minister Alfonso Prada said in the press conference according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-offshoot-to-xbb15-may-cause-new-covid-spike-in-the-us-confirms-cdc-549368">Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC</a>

The two parties are expected to sit for negotiations once again in Mexico.

Earlier, Colombian President Gustavo Petro had announced on New Year’s Eve that the government was successful in making the five largest armed groups agree to a six-month truce. However, the statement was rejected by National Liberation Army (ELN) – the biggest group in the mix.

“The ELN Dialogue Delegation has not discussed any bilateral ceasefire with the Gustavo Petro government, therefore no such agreement exists,” the guerrilla group said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-to-call-for-mandatory-maths-education-till-age-18-549369">Rishi Sunak plans to make maths mandatory for all students till the age of 18</a>

According to official data, around 450,000 Colombians were killed while eight million were displaced due to the internal conflict plaguing the country. A peace agreement was signed between the parties in 2016 but the smaller groups have entered the fray to make the situation worse in Colombia.

“This whole fiasco demonstrates how improvised many of the government’s announcements are, declaring things without thinking them through with all the relevant stakeholders,” Sergio Guzmán, director of Colombia Risk Analysis said in an interview with The Guardian. 
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The Colombian government said on Wednesday that the interior ministry has decided to suspend the ceasefire agreement with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels.

The Colombian government said on Wednesday that the interior ministry has decided to suspend the ceasefire agreement with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels. The announcement came a day after the guerrilla outfit denied signing a six-month ceasefire pact with the authorities. "In view of the position publicly assumed yesterday (Tuesday)... we have decided to suspend the legal effects of the decree" which had established a bilateral truce with the ELN from January 1 to June 30, minister Alfonso Prada said in the press conference according to Reuters. Also read | Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC The two parties are expected to sit for negotiations once again in Mexico. Earlier, Colombian President Gustavo Petro had announced on New Year’s Eve that the government was successful in making the five largest armed groups agree to a six-month truce. However, the statement was rejected by National Liberation Army (ELN) – the biggest group in the mix. “The ELN Dialogue Delegation has not discussed any bilateral ceasefire with the Gustavo Petro government, therefore no such agreement exists,” the guerrilla group said in a statement. Also read | Rishi Sunak plans to make maths mandatory for all students till the age of 18 According to official data, around 450,000 Colombians were killed while eight million were displaced due to the internal conflict plaguing the country. A peace agreement was signed between the parties in 2016 but the smaller groups have entered the fray to make the situation worse in Colombia. “This whole fiasco demonstrates how improvised many of the government’s announcements are, declaring things without thinking them through with all the relevant stakeholders,” Sergio Guzmán, director of Colombia Risk Analysis said in an interview with The Guardian.

Colombian govt suspends 'ceasefire' with National Liberation Army rebels after denial by group

Days after the Colombian President announced truce with the country's largest armed rebels - National Liberation Army or the ELN - has refused to accept any such agreement. The leftist group in Colombia said that it is not a part of the ceasefire with the government.

ELN contradicts President's truce claim, denies it with Colombian government

Venezuela and Colombia have fully reopened their shared border on January 1 to allow passage of cargo and passenger transport via the cross-border Tienditas bridge.

Venezuela and Colombia fully reopen shared border; key bridge fully unblocked

Dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) — a guerrilla group in Colombia, have&nbsp;announced a temporary truce in the country. According to the peace commissioner on Saturday (December 24), the group of armed renegades declared a unilateral ceasefire until the new year, news agency AFP reported on Sunday.&nbsp;

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Saturday that other FARC dissidents as well as paramilitaries in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the north, and gangs in the port of Buenaventura, the most important port on the Pacific, also declared a ceasefire. Taking to Twitter, President Petro said, "We hope that real peace processes will be consolidated."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-27-killed-in-colombia-landslide-several-injured-president-540339">At least 27 killed in Colombia landslide, several injured - President</a>

Saturday's development comes days after the rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN) ended the forced confinement of around 10,000 people in the northwest of Colombia.&nbsp;

The ELN is in peace negotiations with the government. It is the last recognised rebel group operating in Colombia, although dissidents who refused to sign a 2016 peace deal between the FARC and the government also remain active, AFP reported on Wednesday. The rebel group has around 2,500 fighters and a wide network of collaborators, independent estimates show.&nbsp;

After becoming the country's first leftist President in August this year, Gustavo Petro vowed to negotiate with all armed groups as a part of his "total peace" policy. At present, there are around 90 political and criminal groups operating in Colombia.&nbsp;

For over five decades, Colombia has suffered an armed conflict between the state and groups of left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers.

In November, talks had resumed with ELN in Venezuela for the first time in three years, when President Petro's predecessor Ivan Duque broke off negotiations following a car bomb attack on a police academy in which 22 people were killed. The initial talks had not resulted in a formal ceasefire agreement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) — a guerrilla group in Colombia, have announced a temporary truce in the country. According to the peace commissioner on Saturday (December 24), the group of armed renegades declared a unilateral ceasefire until the new year, news agency AFP reported on Sunday.

Dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) — a guerrilla group in Colombia, have announced a temporary truce in the country. According to the peace commissioner on Saturday (December 24), the group of armed renegades declared a unilateral ceasefire until the new year, news agency AFP reported on Sunday. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Saturday that other FARC dissidents as well as paramilitaries in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the north, and gangs in the port of Buenaventura, the most important port on the Pacific, also declared a ceasefire. Taking to Twitter, President Petro said, "We hope that real peace processes will be consolidated." ALSO READ | At least 27 killed in Colombia landslide, several injured - President Saturday's development comes days after the rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN) ended the forced confinement of around 10,000 people in the northwest of Colombia. The ELN is in peace negotiations with the government. It is the last recognised rebel group operating in Colombia, although dissidents who refused to sign a 2016 peace deal between the FARC and the government also remain active, AFP reported on Wednesday. The rebel group has around 2,500 fighters and a wide network of collaborators, independent estimates show. After becoming the country's first leftist President in August this year, Gustavo Petro vowed to negotiate with all armed groups as a part of his "total peace" policy. At present, there are around 90 political and criminal groups operating in Colombia. For over five decades, Colombia has suffered an armed conflict between the state and groups of left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers. In November, talks had resumed with ELN in Venezuela for the first time in three years, when President Petro's predecessor Ivan Duque broke off negotiations following a car bomb attack on a police academy in which 22 people were killed. The initial talks had not resulted in a formal ceasefire agreement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Colombia: Dissidents of guerrilla group FARC announce temporary truce

In pics: Strange New Year celebrations around the globe

Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu won silver at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships in Colombia. She beat the Tokyo 2020 champion Hou Zhihua of China.

Mirabai Chanu clinches silver at Weightlifting World Championship in Colombia

At least 33 people have died in Colombia after a landslide buried a bus, according to Colombian interior minister. Nine people have been rescued. The tragedy took place in northwestern Colombia on Sunday (December 5). The landslide was caused by string rains.

The bus got buried between the villages of Pueblo Rico and Santa Cecilia in Risaralda province, about 230 km (140 miles) northwest of the capital Bogota.

"We have already found 33 people dead, including three minors, and we have rescued nine people alive, four of them are in a critical condition," Interior Minister Alfonso Prada told reporters on Monday.

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Colombia's President Gustavo Petro described the incident as a tragedy in a Twitter message.

"Solidarity with the families of the victims," Petro said, pledging support from the national government.

The bus was traveling from Cali, Colombia's third largest city, to the municipality of Condoto, in Choco province.

Colombia had been hit by an unusually heavy rainy season, blamed on the La Nina weather phenomenon.

Events linked to heavy rains have killed more than 216 people and left 538,000 homeless so far in 2022, according to government statistics. Another 48 people are still missing across the country, the figures show.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 33 people have died in Colombia after a landslide buried a bus, according to Colombian interior minister. Nine people have been rescued. The tragedy took place in northwestern Colombia on Sunday (December 5).

At least 33 people have died in Colombia after a landslide buried a bus, according to Colombian interior minister. Nine people have been rescued. The tragedy took place in northwestern Colombia on Sunday (December 5). The landslide was caused by string rains. The bus got buried between the villages of Pueblo Rico and Santa Cecilia in Risaralda province, about 230 km (140 miles) northwest of the capital Bogota. "We have already found 33 people dead, including three minors, and we have rescued nine people alive, four of them are in a critical condition," Interior Minister Alfonso Prada told reporters on Monday. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro described the incident as a tragedy in a Twitter message. "Solidarity with the families of the victims," Petro said, pledging support from the national government. The bus was traveling from Cali, Colombia's third largest city, to the municipality of Condoto, in Choco province. Colombia had been hit by an unusually heavy rainy season, blamed on the La Nina weather phenomenon. Events linked to heavy rains have killed more than 216 people and left 538,000 homeless so far in 2022, according to government statistics. Another 48 people are still missing across the country, the figures show. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Colombia: Landslide buries bus, at least 33 dead

At least 27 people were killed while many more were injured after a road in northwest Colombia was severely affected by a landslide. President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter on Monday to offer his condolences to the victims and said that a bus and other vehicles were trapped in the ruble.&nbsp;

"It is with sadness that I must announce that, so far, 27 people, including three minors, have lost their lives in the tragedy" that struck on Sunday in a remote area of the Pueblo Rico municipality, Petro said.&nbsp;

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There were several people trapped as a result of the landslide on Sunday and the rescue operations were underway. Three people were declared dead within hours of the operation and several were injured but Reuters reported that multiple teams were deployed in the area by the government.&nbsp;

According to a survivor called Andres Ibarguen, the bus tried to dodge the ruble caused by the landslide but was still trapped. "Part of it was coming down and the bus was a little&nbsp;bit back from that. The bus driver was backing up when it all came crashing down," Andres Ibarguen told radio station Lloro Stereo.&nbsp;

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The bus had 25 passengers on board and other vehicles were also trapped due to the landslide.&nbsp;

AFP reported that Colombia is currently experiencing the worst monsoon in around 40 years and the rainfall has proven tough for the infrastructure to control. Government data showed that several roads were impacted by the rainfall and at least 270 people have lost their lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 27 people were killed while many more were injured after a road in northwest Colombia was severely affected by a landslide. President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter on Monday to offer his condolences to the victims and said that a bus and other vehicles were trapped in the ruble.

At least 27 people were killed while many more were injured after a road in northwest Colombia was severely affected by a landslide. President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter on Monday to offer his condolences to the victims and said that a bus and other vehicles were trapped in the ruble. "It is with sadness that I must announce that, so far, 27 people, including three minors, have lost their lives in the tragedy" that struck on Sunday in a remote area of the Pueblo Rico municipality, Petro said. Also read | Russia launches barrage of missile strikes on Ukraine, targets power sources There were several people trapped as a result of the landslide on Sunday and the rescue operations were underway. Three people were declared dead within hours of the operation and several were injured but Reuters reported that multiple teams were deployed in the area by the government. According to a survivor called Andres Ibarguen, the bus tried to dodge the ruble caused by the landslide but was still trapped. "Part of it was coming down and the bus was a little bit back from that. The bus driver was backing up when it all came crashing down," Andres Ibarguen told radio station Lloro Stereo. Also read | North Korea fires over 100 artillery rounds, says South Korea The bus had 25 passengers on board and other vehicles were also trapped due to the landslide. AFP reported that Colombia is currently experiencing the worst monsoon in around 40 years and the rainfall has proven tough for the infrastructure to control. Government data showed that several roads were impacted by the rainfall and at least 270 people have lost their lives. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 27 killed in Colombia landslide, several injured - President

In a devastating landslide event in Colombia, at least three people have been dead and several have gone missing. Rescue operations to save the survivors are underway.

WION Climate Tracker | Landslide in Colombia: At least three dead and several missing

In a straight-out-of-sitcom scene, a judge in Colombia was suspended for three months for allegedly smoking in bed and appearing half-naked during a virtual hearing. The woman identified to be Judge Vivian Polania violated multiple administrative regulations, Spanish news outlet Infobae reported. The judge, however, denied being half-naked in a statement that she gave later.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old was spotted on her bed half-naked as she puffed on a cigarette during one of her court hearings. A Twitter user shared a video in which judge Vivian Polania can be seen holding a cigarette. "In a video circulating on WhatsApp, Judge Vivian Polanía (she works at the Cúcuta Palace of Justice) is seen attending a judicial proceeding in her bed, half-naked and smoking. I don't know if this could lead to any sanction, but at least the scandal is already served," the user wrote.&nbsp;

A snippet of the virtual hearing went viral on the internet, following which Judicial Disciplinary Commission in Norte de Santander launched a quick investigation on the matter. The committee said that Judge Vivian Polania had 'sleepy eyes' and was reporting to the court from her bed in a 'deplorable' state.&nbsp;

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The woman judge was placed on unpaid leave till February after she was deemed unfit to perform her duties and failed to comply with the judicial dress code and not respecting the parties involved during the court hearing.&nbsp;

After denying that she was not half-naked during the hearing, judge Vivian Polania claimed that she suffered from an anxiety attack and low blood pressure issues. Colombian media reported that her now-deactivated Instagram page consisted of bold photos of the judge in sensual outfits.&nbsp;

“I got tired of pleasing people over my peace of mind,” she said, adding that she will not change her personality to please other people.

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In a straight-out-of-sitcom scene, a judge in Colombia was suspended for three months for allegedly smoking in bed and appearing half-naked during a virtual hearing.

In a straight-out-of-sitcom scene, a judge in Colombia was suspended for three months for allegedly smoking in bed and appearing half-naked during a virtual hearing. The woman identified to be Judge Vivian Polania violated multiple administrative regulations, Spanish news outlet Infobae reported. The judge, however, denied being half-naked in a statement that she gave later. The 34-year-old was spotted on her bed half-naked as she puffed on a cigarette during one of her court hearings. A Twitter user shared a video in which judge Vivian Polania can be seen holding a cigarette. "In a video circulating on WhatsApp, Judge Vivian Polanía (she works at the Cúcuta Palace of Justice) is seen attending a judicial proceeding in her bed, half-naked and smoking. I don't know if this could lead to any sanction, but at least the scandal is already served," the user wrote. A snippet of the virtual hearing went viral on the internet, following which Judicial Disciplinary Commission in Norte de Santander launched a quick investigation on the matter. The committee said that Judge Vivian Polania had 'sleepy eyes' and was reporting to the court from her bed in a 'deplorable' state. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Northern Colombia inundated by heavy rain, 70 homes destroyed × The woman judge was placed on unpaid leave till February after she was deemed unfit to perform her duties and failed to comply with the judicial dress code and not respecting the parties involved during the court hearing. After denying that she was not half-naked during the hearing, judge Vivian Polania claimed that she suffered from an anxiety attack and low blood pressure issues. Colombian media reported that her now-deactivated Instagram page consisted of bold photos of the judge in sensual outfits. “I got tired of pleasing people over my peace of mind,” she said, adding that she will not change her personality to please other people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Colombian judge caught smoking on bed half-naked during virtual hearing, gets suspended

Colombia's government and the National Liberation Army - the ELN - resumes formal peace talks in Venezuela for the first time since they were suspended back in 2019. The talks are in efforts by President Gustavo Petro, the first-ever leftist leader.

Colombia begins peace talks with ELN rebels; President Petro promises to bring 'total peace'

A small plane crashed into a residential area of Colombia's second-largest city Medellin on Monday (November 21), airport authorities and the mayor confirmed.&nbsp;

Medellin's Mayor, Daniel Quintero, said that all on board were killed in the tragic accident. He wrote: "There has been a plane accident in the Belen Rosales sector. The full capacity of government has been activated to assist the victims."&nbsp;

Preliminary information revealed that the plane took off from Olaya Herrera airport in the morning. It reported an engine failure before crashing into a house. Reports mentioned that thick plumes of black smoke were seen in the air after the crash.&nbsp;

The emergency services in the city were rushed to the scene. Their page on Twitter stated that the aircraft had eight people on board and it hit at least one house in the Belen Rosales area. &nbsp;

The airport authorities also revealed that the eight people in the plane included six passengers and two crew members. So far, there are no reports of anyone had been injured or killed in the house.&nbsp;

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🚨 Se accidentó aeronave PA31 operada por SanGermán en la que viajaban 6 pasajeros y 2 tripulantes. La última hora en aire reportada fue a las 10:14 a.m. Con destino Pizarro en El Chocó. 
👇🧵 <a href="https://t.co/1xXyVELPDY">pic.twitter.com/1xXyVELPDY</a>
— DAGRD - Medellín (@DAGRDMedellin) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAGRDMedellin/status/1594729504529842177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Se ha presentado el accidente de una avioneta en el sector de Belen Rosales. Todas las capacidades de la administración se han activado para socorrer a las Victimas. <a href="https://t.co/Vj5qaJBc8T">pic.twitter.com/Vj5qaJBc8T</a>
— Daniel Quintero Calle (@QuinteroCalle) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuinteroCalle/status/1594713326734675968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Todos los equipos del <a href="https://twitter.com/DAGRDMedellin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DAGRDMedellin</a> y Bomberos están en Belén Rosales atendiendo la emergencia. Este es el balance de lo sucedido en este lamentable hecho. <a href="https://t.co/dNqs1PjO89">pic.twitter.com/dNqs1PjO89</a>
— Daniel Quintero Calle (@QuinteroCalle) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuinteroCalle/status/1594753735699275776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Lamentamos el fallecimiento de los tripulantes del vuelo HK5121 de San German. 
 
Piloto: Julián Aladino 
Copiloto: Sergio Guevara Delgado 
 
Pasajeros: 
Jorge Cantillo Martínez 
Dubán Ovalle Quintero 
Anthony Mosquera Blanquiceth 
Pedro Pablo Serna 
Melissa Pérez Cuadros 
Nicolás Jiménez
— Aeropuerto Olaya Herrera (@AeropuertoEPAOH) <a href="https://twitter.com/AeropuertoEPAOH/status/1594736063695781894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Providing more information, he further said the plane was a twin-engine Piper heading from Medellin to the municipality of Pizarro in the neighbouring department of Choco. The plane "signalled engine failure on takeoff and did not manage to return to the Olaya Herrera airport."&nbsp;

According to images shared by the emergency services, the plane crash-landed into a house, destroying its upper floors. In the videos shared on social media sites, the firefighters were seen working to douse flames.&nbsp;

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A small plane crashed into a residential area of Colombia's second-largest city Medellin on Monday (November 21), airport authorities and the mayor confirmed. Medellin's Mayor, Daniel Quintero, said that all on board were killed in the tragic accident.

A small plane crashed into a residential area of Colombia's second-largest city Medellin on Monday (November 21), airport authorities and the mayor confirmed. Medellin's Mayor, Daniel Quintero, said that all on board were killed in the tragic accident. He wrote: "There has been a plane accident in the Belen Rosales sector. The full capacity of government has been activated to assist the victims." Preliminary information revealed that the plane took off from Olaya Herrera airport in the morning. It reported an engine failure before crashing into a house. Reports mentioned that thick plumes of black smoke were seen in the air after the crash. The emergency services in the city were rushed to the scene. Their page on Twitter stated that the aircraft had eight people on board and it hit at least one house in the Belen Rosales area. The airport authorities also revealed that the eight people in the plane included six passengers and two crew members. So far, there are no reports of anyone had been injured or killed in the house. 🚨 Se accidentó aeronave PA31 operada por SanGermán en la que viajaban 6 pasajeros y 2 tripulantes. La última hora en aire reportada fue a las 10:14 a.m. Con destino Pizarro en El Chocó. 👇🧵 pic.twitter.com/1xXyVELPDY — DAGRD - Medellín (@DAGRDMedellin) November 21, 2022 × Se ha presentado el accidente de una avioneta en el sector de Belen Rosales. Todas las capacidades de la administración se han activado para socorrer a las Victimas. pic.twitter.com/Vj5qaJBc8T — Daniel Quintero Calle (@QuinteroCalle) November 21, 2022 × Todos los equipos del @DAGRDMedellin y Bomberos están en Belén Rosales atendiendo la emergencia. Este es el balance de lo sucedido en este lamentable hecho. pic.twitter.com/dNqs1PjO89 — Daniel Quintero Calle (@QuinteroCalle) November 21, 2022 × Lamentamos el fallecimiento de los tripulantes del vuelo HK5121 de San German. Piloto: Julián Aladino Copiloto: Sergio Guevara Delgado Pasajeros: Jorge Cantillo Martínez Dubán Ovalle Quintero Anthony Mosquera Blanquiceth Pedro Pablo Serna Melissa Pérez Cuadros Nicolás Jiménez — Aeropuerto Olaya Herrera (@AeropuertoEPAOH) November 21, 2022 × Providing more information, he further said the plane was a twin-engine Piper heading from Medellin to the municipality of Pizarro in the neighbouring department of Choco. The plane "signalled engine failure on takeoff and did not manage to return to the Olaya Herrera airport." According to images shared by the emergency services, the plane crash-landed into a house, destroying its upper floors. In the videos shared on social media sites, the firefighters were seen working to douse flames. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Small plane crashes into a residential area in Colombia, eight dead - Video

Negotiators from the&nbsp;Colombian government and&nbsp;leftist&nbsp;guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) began&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks&nbsp;on Monday, the first major step in President Gustavo Petro's efforts to end nearly 60 years of war.

Petro, a former member of the M-19 insurgency who took office in August, has promised to bring "total&nbsp;peace" to&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;by negotiating with&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;and crime gangs involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.

"We cannot see each other as enemies, the labor we have is of reconciliation," said&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;negotiator Pablo Beltran. "We hope not to fail these expectations for change."

The&nbsp;talks&nbsp;- which began in Venezuelan capital Caracas - will rotate among guarantor countries Venezuela, Cuba and Norway, according to the&nbsp;Colombian government.

"We are committed to&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with an organization that also wants&nbsp;peace," said head government negotiator Otty Patino. "We are going to reach safe port...a real&nbsp;peace."

The delegations had their first meeting on Monday,&nbsp;Colombia's high&nbsp;peace&nbsp;commissioner Danilo Rueda said.

Previous attempts at negotiations with the&nbsp;ELN, which has some 2,400 combatants and was founded in 1964 by radical Catholic priests, have not advanced partly because of dissent within its ranks.

Leaders have said the group is united, but it is unclear how much sway negotiators hold over active units. Much of the&nbsp;ELN's negotiating team is older than many of its members.

The negotiations do not mean a suspension of military operations against the&nbsp;rebels,&nbsp;Colombian Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said earlier on Monday.

Talks&nbsp;between the&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;and the government of Juan Manuel Santos began in 2017 in Ecuador, later moving to Cuba, but were called off in 2019 by Santos' successor, Ivan Duque, because the&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;refused to halt hostilities and killed 22 police cadets in a bombing.

Petro has also promised to fully implement a 2016&nbsp;peace&nbsp;deal with the now-demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;(FARC)&nbsp;rebels. More than 450,000 people have been killed in&nbsp;Colombia's six decades of internal conflict.

&nbsp;

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Negotiators from the Colombian government and leftist guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) began peace talks on Monday, the first major step in President Gustavo Petro's efforts to end nearly 60 years of war.

Negotiators from the Colombian government and leftist guerrilla group the National Liberation Army (ELN) began peace talks on Monday, the first major step in President Gustavo Petro's efforts to end nearly 60 years of war. Petro, a former member of the M-19 insurgency who took office in August, has promised to bring "total peace" to Colombia by negotiating with rebels and crime gangs involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining. "We cannot see each other as enemies, the labor we have is of reconciliation," said ELN negotiator Pablo Beltran. "We hope not to fail these expectations for change." The talks - which began in Venezuelan capital Caracas - will rotate among guarantor countries Venezuela, Cuba and Norway, according to the Colombian government. "We are committed to talks with an organization that also wants peace," said head government negotiator Otty Patino. "We are going to reach safe port...a real peace." The delegations had their first meeting on Monday, Colombia's high peace commissioner Danilo Rueda said. Previous attempts at negotiations with the ELN, which has some 2,400 combatants and was founded in 1964 by radical Catholic priests, have not advanced partly because of dissent within its ranks. Leaders have said the group is united, but it is unclear how much sway negotiators hold over active units. Much of the ELN's negotiating team is older than many of its members. The negotiations do not mean a suspension of military operations against the rebels, Colombian Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said earlier on Monday. Talks between the ELN and the government of Juan Manuel Santos began in 2017 in Ecuador, later moving to Cuba, but were called off in 2019 by Santos' successor, Ivan Duque, because the ELN refused to halt hostilities and killed 22 police cadets in a bombing. Petro has also promised to fully implement a 2016 peace deal with the now-demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels. More than 450,000 people have been killed in Colombia's six decades of internal conflict.

Colombia, ELN rebels start peace talks, hoping to end six decades of war

President of the United States Joe Biden made another faux pas on Saturday when he said&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;when referring to Cambodia, which is hosting the ASEAN summit.

While meeting his counterparts from ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Biden said, "Now that we're back together here in Cambodia, I look forward to building even stronger progress than we've already made, and I want to thank the Prime Minister of Colombia for his leadership as ASEAN chair and for hosting all of us."&nbsp;

He was alluding to the 10-nation regional bloc's current chair, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.&nbsp;

The US President, who is on a quick trip that includes stops at the G20 meeting in Indonesia, the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, and the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, recently made a similar error while speaking to reporters at the White House.

The Democratic president, who will be 80 on November 20, announced this week that he plans to seek re-election in 2024. A final decision is anticipated to be made early in the following year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-resisted-mentioning-15degc-goal-in-cop27-text-us-climate-envoy-533576">Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy</a>

Republicans have seized on Biden's sporadic verbal slip-ups and propensity to veer from the script during live appearances as evidence that he is past his prime and unfit for office.&nbsp;

Supporters&nbsp;point out that Biden&nbsp;has been improvising in public talks for decades despite having overcome a childhood stutter.

(with inputs from agencies)

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President of the United States Joe Biden made another faux pas on Saturday when he said Colombia when referring to Cambodia, which is hosting the ASEAN summit. While meeting his counterparts from ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Biden said, "Now that we're back together here in Cambodia, I look forward to building even stronger progress than we've already made, and I want to thank the Prime Minister of Colombia for his leadership as ASEAN chair and for hosting all of us.

President of the United States Joe Biden made another faux pas on Saturday when he said Colombia when referring to Cambodia, which is hosting the ASEAN summit. While meeting his counterparts from ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Biden said, "Now that we're back together here in Cambodia, I look forward to building even stronger progress than we've already made, and I want to thank the Prime Minister of Colombia for his leadership as ASEAN chair and for hosting all of us." He was alluding to the 10-nation regional bloc's current chair, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The US President, who is on a quick trip that includes stops at the G20 meeting in Indonesia, the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, and the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, recently made a similar error while speaking to reporters at the White House. The Democratic president, who will be 80 on November 20, announced this week that he plans to seek re-election in 2024. A final decision is anticipated to be made early in the following year. Also Read: Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy Republicans have seized on Biden's sporadic verbal slip-ups and propensity to veer from the script during live appearances as evidence that he is past his prime and unfit for office. Supporters point out that Biden has been improvising in public talks for decades despite having overcome a childhood stutter. (with inputs from agencies)

Another slip-up from Biden, thanks Colombia instead of Cambodia at ASEAN summit

In an incident at a Colombian school, Ouija board game went wrong as after using the game several children passed out and had to be taken to hospital, according to a report by The Independent.&nbsp;

The incident that took place at the Agricultural Technical Institute in Hato in northeastern Colombia came to light when the teachers found 11 students, aged 13 to 17, passed out in a corridor.

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The group of children were found suffering from violent vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle spasms.&nbsp;

Jose Pablo Toloza Rondón, Hato's mayor said, “The children were passed out, at the time they were found they were short of breath and thick drool was coming out of their mouths.

“It is not ruled out that it was the Ouija board, that is part of the investigation. Others say that they consumed water from a container, others that they came from a pool and had been given something to eat," the Mayor added.&nbsp;

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Later, when the children were asked about how their health started to get deteriote after playing the Ouija board game, the students said that they had drank water from the same glass.&nbsp;

Most of the children were treated at a health centre nearby while five of them were taken to the Manuela Beltrán Hospital. 
Doctors after running the diagnosis and giving the children treatment said in medical reports that the teenagers suffered from food poisoning.&nbsp;

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The rectory of the school is waiting to confirm the exact details surrounding the incident with authorities before ruling on the case.

Juan Pablo Vargas Noguera, emergency medical coordinator at Hospital del Socorro, said, “We did not find psychological alteration in the children, taking into account that it was said that it would have been from playing the Ouija board. The medical report says it was due to food poisoning.”

 
What is Ouija board game?&nbsp;

Ouija board is a board game that has letters, numbers, the words yes, no, hello and goodbye, as well as other symbols on it.&nbsp;

The boards can allegedly be used to contact the dead, whose “spirits” will move the planchette – a heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic – around the board to spell out answers to the questions players ask. Users place their hands on the planchette and ask any present spirits to answer their questions by moving the planchette around the board to spell out their response.

 
&nbsp;

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In an incident at a Colombian school, Ouija board game went wrong as after using the game several children passed out and had to be taken to hospital, according to a report by The Independent.

In an incident at a Colombian school, Ouija board game went wrong as after using the game several children passed out and had to be taken to hospital, according to a report by The Independent. The incident that took place at the Agricultural Technical Institute in Hato in northeastern Colombia came to light when the teachers found 11 students, aged 13 to 17, passed out in a corridor. ALSO READ | 3 dermatologists share beauty secrets; reveal their winter skincare routines The group of children were found suffering from violent vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle spasms. Jose Pablo Toloza Rondón, Hato's mayor said, “The children were passed out, at the time they were found they were short of breath and thick drool was coming out of their mouths. “It is not ruled out that it was the Ouija board, that is part of the investigation. Others say that they consumed water from a container, others that they came from a pool and had been given something to eat," the Mayor added. ALSO READ | Best MCU film ever! Netizens hail 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Later, when the children were asked about how their health started to get deteriote after playing the Ouija board game, the students said that they had drank water from the same glass. Most of the children were treated at a health centre nearby while five of them were taken to the Manuela Beltrán Hospital. Doctors after running the diagnosis and giving the children treatment said in medical reports that the teenagers suffered from food poisoning. WATCH | ASEAN Summit Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba holds press conference The rectory of the school is waiting to confirm the exact details surrounding the incident with authorities before ruling on the case. Juan Pablo Vargas Noguera, emergency medical coordinator at Hospital del Socorro, said, “We did not find psychological alteration in the children, taking into account that it was said that it would have been from playing the Ouija board. The medical report says it was due to food poisoning.” What is Ouija board game? Ouija board is a board game that has letters, numbers, the words yes, no, hello and goodbye, as well as other symbols on it. The boards can allegedly be used to contact the dead, whose “spirits” will move the planchette – a heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic – around the board to spell out answers to the questions players ask. Users place their hands on the planchette and ask any present spirits to answer their questions by moving the planchette around the board to spell out their response. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. a

Children in Colombia school pass out after playing Ouija board game

Heavy rains have battered northern Colombia and triggered landslides. Over 24 hours of heavy rains have destroyed at least 70 houses and forced the evacuation of many.

WION Climate Tracker: Northern Colombia inundated by heavy rain, 70 homes destroyed

Heavy rains cause landslides in Colombia; 70 houses collapse, 82 families evacuated

Sexual abuse of a minor in a public transport station has brought protesters onto the streets. Over a thousand people gathered in Colombia's capital and there were loud chants of angry citizens.

Colombia: Sexual assault on minor inside public transport station sparks anger

Several protests against a planned reform that would increase taxes on the wealthy to fund social programmes were held across Colombia on Saturday.

The proposal is being promoted by President Gustavo Petro, the first elected socialist leader of the South American nation.

"Today, we ask the government to take into account the productive sector of the country, to understand that tax reform is not needed in the way they are doing it," businessman Alvaro Aparicio, 58, told AFP in Bogota.

People protested the measure sponsored by Petro, who entered office in August, on the streets of Cali, Barranquilla, Medellin, and other cities while donning white and waving the national flag.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-breaks-coca-growing-record-slams-war-on-drugs-527399">Colombia breaks coca-growing record, slams 'failure of war on drugs', moots amnesty</a>

The proposal, which would boost taxes on the wealthy to pay for initiatives to combat poverty and inequality, is being discussed in Congress.

The peso has historically devalued versus the dollar, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombia-bus-accident-at-least-20-killed-driver-lost-control-in-foggy-area-525848">Colombia</a> is currently experiencing significant inflation, along with other nations throughout the world. The unemployment rate is 10.6%.

Petro ran for office on a platform of taxing the wealthy more heavily, halting oil drilling, and giving arable land to farmers who lack access to it.

In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Ivan Duque, the former right-wing president of Ecuador (2018–2022), faced sizable demonstrations.

The bloodiest incident happened last year when the president at the time attempted to tax the middle class in order to combat the pandemic's effects.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Several protests against a planned reform that would increase taxes on the wealthy to fund social programmes were held across Colombia on Saturday. The proposal is being promoted by President Gustavo Petro, the first elected socialist leader of the South American nation.

Several protests against a planned reform that would increase taxes on the wealthy to fund social programmes were held across Colombia on Saturday. The proposal is being promoted by President Gustavo Petro, the first elected socialist leader of the South American nation. "Today, we ask the government to take into account the productive sector of the country, to understand that tax reform is not needed in the way they are doing it," businessman Alvaro Aparicio, 58, told AFP in Bogota. People protested the measure sponsored by Petro, who entered office in August, on the streets of Cali, Barranquilla, Medellin, and other cities while donning white and waving the national flag. Also read | Colombia breaks coca-growing record, slams 'failure of war on drugs', moots amnesty The proposal, which would boost taxes on the wealthy to pay for initiatives to combat poverty and inequality, is being discussed in Congress. The peso has historically devalued versus the dollar, and Colombia is currently experiencing significant inflation, along with other nations throughout the world. The unemployment rate is 10.6%. Petro ran for office on a platform of taxing the wealthy more heavily, halting oil drilling, and giving arable land to farmers who lack access to it. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Ivan Duque, the former right-wing president of Ecuador (2018–2022), faced sizable demonstrations. The bloodiest incident happened last year when the president at the time attempted to tax the middle class in order to combat the pandemic's effects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tax reform bill triggers protests across Colombia

Colombia, the world's leading&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;producer, broke its own record for coca leaf cultivation in 2021, a UN body said Thursday, as the government highlighted the "failure" of the US-led war on drugs.

There was "an increase of 43 per cent in the area planted with coca... from 143,000 hectares in 2020 to 204,000 ha in 2021," the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a statement.

This was the highest figure since the UNODC started monitoring&nbsp;Colombia's&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp; production 21 years ago.

The increase in coca cultivation went hand-in-hand with a rise in&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;production from 1,010 tonnes in 2020 to 1,400 tonnes last year, destined mainly for the United States and Europe.

"This continued an upward trend that has been consolidating since 2014," said the UNODC.

At the presentation of the report in Bogota, Justice Minister Nestor Osuna said the numbers were clear evidence "of the failure of the war on drugs."

He said the government was working on a new drug policy, which for now would not include legalizing&nbsp;cocaine.

But he expressed the hope that "one day" the&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;trade will be regulated at a global level.

As part of a new approach, Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro has mooted an amnesty for drug traffickers willing to give themselves up and abandon the trade.

He has also proposed purchasing arable land to redistribute to small farmers to make a living from legal crops, free from the violent yoke of the drug gangs they rely on to make a living.

Holistic approach

Petro considers small-scale coca growers the victims of a state that for years poisoned their land with pesticides to eradicate the illegal plantations.

Thousands of coca growers and pickers are behind bars on trafficking charges in Colombia.

Petro's predecessor, Ivan Duque, had been a key ally of the drug war led by the United States -- the world's leading&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;consumer.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Petro in Colombia, saying afterwards they shared "extensive common ground," despite the new president's change of tack.

"We strongly support the holistic approach the Petro administration is taking," Blinken said after the meeting.

"On both the enforcement side but also on the comprehensive approach to the problem... I think that we're largely in sync," he added.

The UNODC said coca cultivation "continues to threaten the cultural potential of the country and its biodiversity," contributing to deforestation.

Half of the plantations are in special management areas, it said, and a high percentage on the lands of black communities and in forest reserve areas.

Colombia, the world's leading cocaine producer, broke its own record for coca leaf cultivation in 2021, a UN body said Thursday, as the government highlighted the "failure" of the US-led war on drugs.

Colombia, the world's leading cocaine producer, broke its own record for coca leaf cultivation in 2021, a UN body said Thursday, as the government highlighted the "failure" of the US-led war on drugs. There was "an increase of 43 per cent in the area planted with coca... from 143,000 hectares in 2020 to 204,000 ha in 2021," the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a statement. This was the highest figure since the UNODC started monitoring Colombia's cocaine production 21 years ago. The increase in coca cultivation went hand-in-hand with a rise in cocaine production from 1,010 tonnes in 2020 to 1,400 tonnes last year, destined mainly for the United States and Europe. "This continued an upward trend that has been consolidating since 2014," said the UNODC. At the presentation of the report in Bogota, Justice Minister Nestor Osuna said the numbers were clear evidence "of the failure of the war on drugs." He said the government was working on a new drug policy, which for now would not include legalizing cocaine. But he expressed the hope that "one day" the cocaine trade will be regulated at a global level. As part of a new approach, Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro has mooted an amnesty for drug traffickers willing to give themselves up and abandon the trade. He has also proposed purchasing arable land to redistribute to small farmers to make a living from legal crops, free from the violent yoke of the drug gangs they rely on to make a living. Holistic approach Petro considers small-scale coca growers the victims of a state that for years poisoned their land with pesticides to eradicate the illegal plantations. Thousands of coca growers and pickers are behind bars on trafficking charges in Colombia. Petro's predecessor, Ivan Duque, had been a key ally of the drug war led by the United States -- the world's leading cocaine consumer. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Petro in Colombia, saying afterwards they shared "extensive common ground," despite the new president's change of tack. "We strongly support the holistic approach the Petro administration is taking," Blinken said after the meeting. "On both the enforcement side but also on the comprehensive approach to the problem... I think that we're largely in sync," he added. The UNODC said coca cultivation "continues to threaten the cultural potential of the country and its biodiversity," contributing to deforestation. Half of the plantations are in special management areas, it said, and a high percentage on the lands of black communities and in forest reserve areas.

Colombia breaks coca-growing record, slams 'failure of war on drugs', moots amnesty

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