Over the past days, Colombia has faced a troubling surge in violence, with at least 18 people reported murdered and five massacres documented in a span of 24 hours. The Institute for Development and Peace Research, Indepaz, condemned the attacks that unfolded Tuesday across Casanare, Nariño, Huila, Valle del Cauca, and Antioquia. The director of Indepaz, Leonardo González, noted on social media that authorities had confirmed five massacres in the last day, with another incident awaiting confirmation in Antioquia. This sharp spike in violence highlights a persistent pattern of deadly actions affecting multiple regions and communities, underscoring the urgent need for security measures and accountability (Indepaz).
In Villanueva, a village within the Casanare region, the latest tragedy occurred when unknown assailants killed three Venezuelan nationals, according to local police. The violence is being investigated as a case involving human trafficking indicators and cross-border criminal networks, raising concerns about the vulnerability of migrants in conflict zones (Policia Nacional; Indepaz).
Earlier, in the Ipiales municipality along Colombia’s border with Ecuador, a massacre claimed the lives of three people described as being of foreign origin, with another individual injured. Authorities indicated that the deceased carried aliases linked to a criminal organization of note in the area, suggesting ties to groups known locally as Los Choneros. Investigations are ongoing as security forces work to determine the full scope of this incident and identify those involved (Policia Nacional; Indepaz).
In Algeciras, Huila, four residents were killed when armed men forcefully entered a residence and attacked the occupants. The Office of the High Commissioner for Peace publicly condemned the act, stressing that violence against civilians is unacceptable and urging peaceful, lawful means to resolve disputes. Government and security officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilians and pursuing those responsible for such crimes (Office of the High Commissioner for Peace; Indepaz).
An additional four people died when gunfire erupted on a bus traveling through Puerto Berrío in the Magdalena Medio region. Governor Aníbal Gaviria confirmed that authorities are coordinating with security forces to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack, which occurred as the vehicle paused to drop off passengers. Police leadership described the incident as potentially connected to clashes between rival criminal groups operating in the area. The incident has intensified calls for stronger border security and interagency cooperation to prevent similar violence (Gobernación de Antioquia; Policía Nacional; Indepaz).
Meanwhile, Jamundí reported four more fatalities tied to a separate event. Investigators indicate the victims had been attending a celebration connected to a local industry known as La Liberia, and their remains were later found at another location. Details about the perpetrators and the organization behind these deaths remain scarce while authorities piece together the sequence of events. In a broader context, Indepaz has documented a troubling total of 86 massacres across Colombia for the year so far, signaling a nationwide crisis in public safety and the rule of law (Indepaz).