Andean Region in May 2026: the most important developments in security
In the Andean region in May 2026, violence in Colombia was the main security story. On 28 May clashes between armed groups in Colombia killed at least 52 people. Earlier in the month a gun attack killed four people in Cucuta ahead of the elections, a journalist was found dead in a conflict zone, and an ally and adviser of a Colombian presidential candidate was shot dead amid violence targeting political campaigns. Separately, the United States arrested nine people and seized three tons of cocaine near Colombia.
In Bolivia, a judge was shot dead on 1 May after land ownership rulings. Mining groups staged antigovernment protests in mid-May, with explosions heard, and miners clashed with police while President Rodrigo Paz came under criticism. Bolivia also ordered the arrest of Evo Morales after he failed to appear at his trial on child trafficking charges.
The United States drew attention through drug policy. Reports said Washington was increasing pressure on Mexico and Colombia under a new drug control strategy, and on 13 May US lawmakers demanded that the Pentagon suspend its alleged anti-drug operations in Ecuador. On 17 May Venezuela deported Alex Saab, a close associate of Nicolas Maduro, to the United States, where he faces money laundering charges; the Venezuelan government had not officially commented.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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