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Latin Times
Latin Times
Politics
S. H. Lee

Violence Escalates in Colombia as Presidential Election Nears

Colombian Police Special Operations Group officers patrol during a campaign rally of Colombia's right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, from the Defensores de la Patria movement, in Envigado, Antioquia department, Colombia on May 13, 2026. Colombia will hold presidential elections on May 31. (Credit: Photo by Jaime SALDARRIAGA/AFP via Getty Images)

In Colombia, violence is rising again just as the country heads into a new electoral cycle. Conflict‑monitoring group ACLED reports that incidents of political and criminal violence have increased, particularly in the southwest, where armed groups are competing for control of drug routes and territory. Colombia's presidential election is slated for Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Just three weeks ago a "spate of attacks against civilians and military bases" in departments like Cauca and Valle del Cauca took place including at least 26 explosive and drone attacks and a bombing on the highway between Cali and Popayán which killed more than 20 people.

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