Colombia Faces Worsening Security Crisis

Colombia is experiencing a significant deterioration in its security situation, with illegal armed groups expanding their control across more than half of the country's municipalities. This resurgence, marked by 48 massacres and 229 fatalities from January to April 2026, is driven by diversified illicit revenue streams beyond drug trafficking, including illegal mining and human smuggling. The escalating violence has become a central issue in the ongoing presidential election, with candidates offering differing approaches to address the crisis.

The resilience of these groups is evident despite increased public force operations, which saw 234 actions in 2025, up from 100 in 2024. Cocaine production reached an estimated 3,700 metric tons in 2023, a 37% increase from 2022, providing substantial funding. The current government's "Paz Total" policy is widely perceived as ineffective, with two-thirds of Colombians believing the armed forces have lost control over affected territories.

In response, the United States and Colombia are urged to modernize their security cooperation, moving beyond a counternarcotics-centric framework. Experts recommend a territorially differentiated strategy focused on dismantling criminal governance structures, rebuilding security force capacity, disrupting illicit financial networks, strengthening border security, and advancing economic recovery in affected regions. This strategic shift aims to counter the evolving transnational threats posed by these adaptable armed groups.