In the wake of a series of intimidation campaigns that led to the closure of businesses in parts of Barranquilla and nearby areas such as Soledad, municipal authorities have intensified security measures to restore confidence among small business owners. The situation escalated over the weekend of July 4–5, 2026, when messages circulated via WhatsApp and printed flyers threatened merchants who refused to comply with unspecified demands. These threats prompted some vendors to close their shops, despite increased police patrols and official calls to maintain normal operations. The city’s response has included deploying specialized units, enhancing surveillance technology, and strengthening coordination between local government and law enforcement agencies.
The threat came from a group known as La Nueva Generación, which is believed to be composed of former members of rival gangs such as Los Costeños and Los Pepes. This faction has been linked to recent acts of violence, including the murder of Abersio Medrano Ramos, a 57-year-old owner of a chicken distribution business in Soledad. His killing occurred on July 6, just days after the wave of intimidation began, and his family claims he had received death threats for refusing to pay extortion demands. The incident has heightened concerns about the growing influence of organized crime in the area, particularly in neighborhoods where economic instability and high levels of violence have already created a climate of fear.
In response to these developments, Mayor Alejandro Char issued a public statement reaffirming the administration's commitment to restoring safety and stability. He emphasized that the city would not allow groups seeking to sow fear to disrupt the peace of its residents. Char also announced that additional security measures were being implemented, including the deployment of special forces from the National Police and the Colombian Army, as well as the involvement of the Gaula (a unit specializing in cybercrime investigations). The city is also working closely with the Gaula Antiextortion team based in Bogotá, which will assist in ongoing investigations into the origins of the threatening messages.
One of the primary objectives of the new security strategy is to identify the individuals behind the intimidation campaign. Authorities have launched an intelligence operation to trace the source of the messages, which were primarily disseminated through WhatsApp groups and physical flyers. The goal is to determine whether these threats stem from a coordinated effort by criminal organizations or if they are part of a broader strategy to destabilize commercial activity. The investigation includes analyzing digital footprints, monitoring communication patterns, and cross-referencing information with existing records of past crimes and extortions.
To further bolster security, the city has introduced a combination of technological tools and community-based initiatives. These include the installation of surveillance cameras, the provision of alarms for businesses, and the establishment of direct communication channels between merchants and law enforcement. The aim is to reduce response times in case of emergencies and provide evidence that could be used in judicial proceedings. Additionally, the city plans to increase the number of patrol units during weekends and holidays, when the risk of incidents is perceived to be higher.
Despite these efforts, many small business owners remain hesitant to reopen their stores. Some have expressed concern that even with increased police presence, the threat of retaliation remains too great. According to Orlando Jiménez, president of Undeco, a trade union representing small businesses, the level of distrust among merchants has reached alarming proportions. He noted that while authorities have made public statements and deployed resources, the lack of tangible results has left many feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
The situation reflects deeper systemic issues within the city’s approach to public safety. Critics argue that the current model of security management, rooted in centralized policies and limited local engagement, has failed to address the root causes of insecurity. The so-called Paz Total initiative, which aimed to bring lasting peace to regions affected by armed conflict, has been widely criticized for its top-down structure and lack of meaningful participation from local leaders. This has contributed to a sense of disillusionment among communities that continue to suffer under the weight of gang-related violence and extortion.
As the city grapples with this crisis, there is growing pressure on both local and national authorities to take more decisive action. The recent murders and threats highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement against criminal networks and greater investment in community-led security programs. While the immediate focus remains on restoring order and protecting livelihoods, the underlying challenge is how to build sustainable trust between citizens and institutions in an environment where fear often outweighs faith in governance. For now, the streets of Barranquilla remain tense, and the battle for safety continues.
10 reports
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 853 days agoThe article reports on heightened security measures implemented by the city council of Barranquilla in response to recent threats and intimidation campaigns targeting businesses in the southern areas of the city. These threats, which included messages via WhatsApp and rumors, led some merchants to close their stores preemptively. The city has announced increased police patrols, collaboration with the Police Metropolitan, and the deployment of surveillance cameras and community alarms to enhance safety. Authorities emphasize that these measures are part of ongoing efforts but have intensified due to recent incidents attributed to criminal structures and common crime. The goal is to restore confidence among local traders who remain fearful of potential attacks despite visible police presence.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, focusing on factual developments and official responses without overtly favoring any political stance. It describes the actions taken by authorities and the concerns raised by local merchants without taking sides or using emotionally charged,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This article provides detailed information on the measures taken by the municipality and aligns closely with the cross-source consensus. It maintains a neutral tone and focuses on factual updates without introducing subjective analysis.
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 855 days ago Alert in Barranquilla and Soledad for anonymous call against extortion: merchants denounce pressures to close their businessesAn anonymous call to action circulated online, prompting authorities in Barranquilla and Soledad, Colombia, to raise alerts. The message encourages merchants to participate in a demonstration against extortion and criminal groups, but no organization has publicly claimed responsibility. Some merchants have reported receiving threatening calls and leaflets urging them to join the event and close their businesses. Police have not identified who is behind the initiative and are investigating whether any formal group is involved. This comes amid ongoing concerns over extortion and criminal activity affecting local businesses in these cities.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an anonymous call to action related to crime and extortion, which is a matter of public safety and law enforcement. It presents information from police officials and includes merchant complaints without overtly favoring any side. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the lack
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This article provides detailed information on the anonymous call-to-action, police response, and merchant concerns, aligning closely with cross-source consensus. It presents multiple perspectives including police statements and merchant testimonies without overt bias. The language remains neutral an
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 804 days ago 'We will not allow those who seek to sow terror to disturb the tranquility': Char before threats to commerce in Barranquilla and SoledadThe mayor of Barranquilla, Alejandro Char, responded to threats that caused some businesses to remain closed on Saturday due to fear of retaliation. The situation arose after messages circulated on WhatsApp and social media, warning those who did not comply with an alleged closure order. These threats led to anxiety among merchants and street vendors, prompting local authorities to increase patrols and coordinate efforts to ensure safety and normal operations. Char emphasized that the government would not allow groups seeking to spread fear to disrupt peace in the area.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a security issue involving threats against businesses and citizens, with quotes from the mayor emphasizing coordinated efforts by authorities. There is no overtly biased language, and both the concerns of the affected communities and the government’s response are presented. No
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports on the mayor's response to commercial closures due to threats, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It provides details on the situation without clear bias, though some emotional language is present.
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 704 days agoIn Barranquilla and Soledad, several small shops and neighborhood stores were found closed today. According to El Heraldo, the closure was ordered by a faction of the criminal gang Los Costeños called 'La Nueva Generación,' which reportedly used flyers to demand the cessation of operations. This comes amid a leadership change in the area previously controlled by Los Costeños and Los Pepes. Both cities in the Atlántico department are among those with the highest rates of massacres and homicides. The ongoing conflict between gangs has plunged the capital of the Atlántico into violence and extortion against commerce.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on gang-related violence and extortion affecting local businesses, focusing on factual events without overtly favoring any political side. It provides context about the situation but does not exhibit clear bias through language, sourcing, or emphasis.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article reports on merchants closing due to extortion threats attributed to 'La Nueva Generación' faction of Los Costeños, aligning with cross-source consensus. It mentions the territorial shift between Los Costeños and Los Pepes, but lacks specific details on the threat's origin or verification
SemanaIndependentConservativeFactual 75Objective 659 days agoOn June 29, Barranquilla Mayor Alejandro Char criticized President Gustavo Petro over rising insecurity in the city, calling the national government’s approach 'more dangerous' and accusing it of weakening law enforcement while criminal groups gain strength. Char highlighted recent violent incidents, including a seventh mass killing in the Atlantic region in 2026, and referenced leaked audio suggesting negotiations with illegal groups. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to security through investments like new police stations, technology, and a crime analysis center aimed at attracting investment and ensuring safety for residents and businesses.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames criticism of President Petro’s security policies as evidence of governmental failure, using strong negative language ('criminalidad disparada', 'grupos armados fortalecidos') and implies corruption or compromised governance. The mayor’s emphasis on increased security spending and抨
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 65): The article presents the alderman's criticism of Petro, using strong language like 'más inseguridad' and references to leaked negotiations. While it reflects a common narrative, it leans towards a political critique rather than purely factual reporting, reducing objectivity.
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenter14 hr. ago Gap between total peace and local security failureThe emergence of 'La Nueva Generación' in Barranquilla highlights serious concerns about the new dynamics of urban violence. The article argues that this is not merely a change in names or isolated criminal activity but indicates structural reorganization, disputes over illegal rents, fragmentation of leadership, and an economy of fear expressed through homicides, extortion, threats, and daily control over popular neighborhoods. While the 'paz total' (total peace) initiative had significant flaws—being overly centralized, bureaucratic, and slow to respond to mobile urban dynamics—it was further eroded by the electoral climate. Right-wing campaigns reduced the peace process to a symbol of impunity and state weakness, undermining efforts to resolve conflicts through dialogue and legal means. With the election of Abelardo de la Espriella, the process lost political momentum, as the new government has shifted toward a hardline approach with short-term ultimatums and limited negotiations. Despite these challenges, Barranquilla still has local governance structures, including a mayor, governor, security councils, police forces, and technological resources aimed at improving safety. The市长
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced critique of both the 'paz total' policy and the current security situation in Barranquilla. It acknowledges the shortcomings of the peace initiative while also pointing out the failures of local authorities and the impact of political rhetoric. The tone remains fact-f
El TiempoIndependentCenteryesterday Barranquilla strengthens security after threats to traders: special groups from Gaula will arrive and there will be mixed patrolsBarranquilla has announced increased security measures in response to threats against local merchants, which led to the closure of several businesses. The city's authorities have convened a District Security Council to address the situation, involving specialized military units such as the Gaula Cibernético and an anti-extortion team arriving from Bogotá. The measures aim to investigate the origin of threatening pamphlets distributed via WhatsApp groups and assess whether these messages were part of a coordinated criminal strategy. Despite calls from police and other officials to maintain normal operations, some small business owners chose to close their stores out of fear of potential retaliation.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on government actions taken in response to a security threat affecting local commerce. It presents the measures being implemented by municipal authorities and includes quotes from officials, but does not exhibit clear ideological bias. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the f旦
El TiempoIndependentCenter2 days ago Consternation over the murder of the owner of a chicken distributor in Soledad (Atlantic): relatives say he had been threatened by extortionistsA 57-year-old man named Abersio Medrano Ramos was murdered in Soledad, Atlántico, while outside his chicken distribution store. The incident occurred shortly after local businesses had partially closed due to threats attributed to criminal groups. Family members claim he had been receiving death threats from presumed extortionists after refusing to pay their demands. Authorities are investigating the case but have not yet confirmed a direct link between the murder and extortion. The killing has heightened fears among local merchants, who have reported increasing pressure from illegal economic activities by criminal groups.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the crime, focusing on factual reporting without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity. It highlights the broader issue of extortion and organized crime affecting commerce, which is a politically sensitive topic, but does not take a clear立场 (
El TiempoIndependentCenter2 days ago There is a loss of credibility in the authorities: security expert details why Barranquilla is so receptive to the leafletsThe article reports on the growing insecurity in Barranquilla, Colombia, where threats distributed through flyers have led to widespread closures of businesses and a sense of uncertainty among residents. June saw over 110 homicides in the city and its metropolitan area, making it the most violent month of the year, alongside three massacres and increased extortion activities. Authorities have conducted special operations but have not suspended economic activities. Security expert Luis Trejos explains that the credibility of these threats stems from the broader context of high violence, including homicide and criminal extortion, which has created a climate of fear. He notes that people and institutions believe the threats are credible due to the documented history of violence and criminal disputes.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses security issues and the impact of criminal threats, it presents information based on official data and expert analysis without overtly favoring any political ideology. The framing remains balanced, focusing on factual reporting and expert commentary rather than taking a立场
SemanaIndependentCenter2 days ago Merchant killed for refusing to pay extortion in Soledad, AtlánticoIn Soledad, Atlántico, a merchant named Abersio Medrano Ramos was killed after allegedly refusing to pay an extortion demand. The attack occurred in the neighborhood of Villa Adela Segunda Etapa, where two men on motorcycles approached him, and one shot him multiple times before killing him. According to authorities, Medrano had been receiving threats over his refusal to pay the extortion fee. This incident follows the forced closure of businesses in the area due to extortion by criminal groups. The Public Defender’s Office has issued a high-level warning about the rising violence in Barranquilla and surrounding areas, attributing the increase to conflicts between criminal factions such as the Pepes, Costeños, and related groups like Los del Freseo or La Nueva Generación. These groups are reportedly vying for territorial control, leading to heightened insecurity and disruption of daily life.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a violent crime linked to organized crime and extortion, which is a significant issue affecting public safety and governance. It includes quotes from the Public Defender’s Office and mentions local authorities, but does not exhibit clear ideological bias. The tone remains fact
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