Violence continues to dominate the security landscape in the Atlántico department, with more than 700 violent deaths recorded by the end of July 2026. According to a report released by Arturo García, an expert in security and member of the Civil Early Warning System, the department has reached 713 violent deaths this year, including 105 homicides alone in July. The figures highlight a persistent rise in criminal activity, particularly in the metropolitan area of Barranquilla and surrounding municipalities. The report indicates that the monthly trend of homicides shows no signs of abating. January and February each closed with 93 cases, while March saw 104 homicides. April exceeded 100, and May and June continued the pattern, bringing the total number of violent deaths to 607 by mid-year. July added another 105 cases, pushing the cumulative figure past 700. Of these, 95 occurred within the Barranquilla metropolitan area, with the remaining 10 spread across other towns in the department. Within the capital city of Barranquilla, the southern-eastern neighborhood led the statistics with 18 homicides, followed by the south-western and metropolitan areas, each recording 15 cases. Other parts of the city, such as the northern, historic center, and Riomar neighborhoods, reported two murders each. The report also notes that the violence is spreading beyond traditional hotspots into new municipalities, raising concerns among analysts and authorities alike. Among the victims were five women, increasing the annual count of gender-based violence-related killings to 48. A three-year-old girl was also killed in Polonuevo. Analysts expressed concern over the high proportion of young people among the victims, with 22 homicides involving individuals aged 16 to 26 recorded in the metropolitan area during July. Additionally, 39 people were injured in targeted attacks, which were linked to at least 85 criminal incidents during the month. The report highlights the involvement of commercial sectors, including mechanics, motorcyclists, bakers, debt collectors, community guards, a retired police officer, and a metal-mechanical business owner, many of whom were reportedly targeted due to extortion. One notable development is the emergence of a new criminal group known as "La Nueva Generación," allegedly responsible for at least 16 homicides in July. This organization’s presence coincides with increased violence in certain areas, prompting calls for a coordinated response from both government and civil institutions. In a separate incident, the Cauca department faced its own wave of violence, marked by the murder of three retired military personnel who were cycling along a rural road connecting the municipalities of Silvia and Totoró. The victims, Coronel Libardo Osorio Sánchez, Major Harold Sánchez Vergara, and Major Rodrigo Amórtegui, were shot dead by armed men in Miraflores, a rural area near Silvia. Their bodies were found with gunshot wounds to the head, sparking widespread condemnation from officials and citizens alike. The governor of Cauca, Octavio Guzmán, described the killing as a profound wound to the region, emphasizing the need for national attention and action to address the growing insecurity. The attack occurred amid ongoing threats against businesses and travelers along key routes, including the Panamericana highway, where similar incidents have been reported. These include the recent assassination of a fitness trainer whose vehicle was overturned after refusing to stop, resulting in his death. Business leaders and regional stakeholders have criticized the lack of political will from the current federal administration to provide long-term solutions for the Cauca region, despite its economic contributions to the country. They expressed hope that the incoming government under Abelardo De la Espriella would bring meaningful change. Meanwhile, the sports community organized a peaceful demonstration in Popayán on August 1st to honor the memory of the murdered cyclists and demand an end to the violence. Participants were urged to wear white shirts as a symbol of peace. Authorities in both the Atlántico and Cauca departments have intensified patrols in public spaces, religious sites, beaches, and tourist areas to curb the rising tide of crime. However, experts warn that unless there is a comprehensive strategy addressing the root causes of violence, including the expansion of illegal groups and the targeting of civilians, the situation could worsen further. With the new administration set to take office soon, expectations remain high for tangible measures to restore safety and stability in these regions.
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