Colombia Roundup: U.S. Congressman overthrow plot, Belt and Road Initiative, over 200 cartel members arrested

Colombian president accuses U.S. congressman of overthrow plot

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday, May 6, accused U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart of leading a plan to remove him from office. In statements posted on X, Petro alleged that the Florida congressman is coordinating efforts with Colombia’s far-right to orchestrate his ousting through legislative means. He further claimed that these actions aim to prevent his participation in upcoming electoral campaigns.

Armed groups kill 31 security personnel in Colombia since mid-April

Since April 15, 19 police officers and 12 soldiers have been killed by armed groups in Colombia, according to official reports. President Gustavo Petro described the attacks as a "plan pistola," a strategy involving targeted killings of law enforcement personnel, first used by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1990s. Police state that cash bounties have been placed on officers, mirroring Escobar’s earlier tactics. Security analysts attribute the violence to retaliation by groups such as the Gaitanist Army of Colombia and the National Liberation Army, which have faced recent government crackdowns.

Colombia to join China's Belt and Road Initiative

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Tuesday that he will sign a letter of intent to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative during his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping. The agreement is expected to formalise Colombia’s participation in the infrastructure and investment programme, which is a key element of China’s global economic strategy. 

Colombia advances esports legislation 

Colombia’s online gambling sector is set for change following Senate approval of Law Project 026 of 2024, which now awaits presidential assent. The bill seeks to classify esports as an official sport, integrate it into the National Sports System, and legalise regulated esports betting. According to Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié, the legislation will expand betting options and promote growth within the regulated gambling market.

Over 200 Clan del Golfo members arrested in Colombia

Colombian authorities have arrested 217 members of Clan del Golfo, the country’s largest drug cartel, since April 15. The suspects are accused of involvement in the targeted killings of law enforcement personnel. President Gustavo Petro recently condemned the cartel’s strategy of “systematic assassinations,” alleging it offered bounties for police killings in a campaign resembling tactics used by Pablo Escobar in the 1990s. According to Admiral Francisco Cubides, head of the army, the coordinated crackdown also resulted in the deaths of 15 drug dealers. Security forces seized 6.8 tons of narcotics, approximately 100 firearms, and over 15,000 rounds of ammunition.