2 presidential campaign staffers killed in Colombia weeks before election
Two campaign staffers for a right-wing presidential candidate in Colombia were shot and killed just weeks before the election. The incident occurred in Meta Department, a region known for rebel activity and drug trafficking. Security concerns are heightened as candidates face threats and violence leading up to the May 31 election.
- ▪The staffers were killed by gunmen on motorcycles in Meta Department.
- ▪Meta is a stronghold for rebel fighters and a route for cocaine trafficking.
- ▪Candidates, including Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda, have reported receiving death threats.
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World 2 presidential campaign staffers killed in Colombia weeks before election May 16, 2026 / 2:59 PM EDT / AFP Add CBS News on Google Two campaign staffers working for a right-wing candidate in Colombia's upcoming presidential election have been shot and killed, officials said Saturday.Gunmen on motorcycles killed the two men Friday night in the central-west Meta Department, said the candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella.Meta is a stronghold of rebel fighters who rejected a historic 2016 peace accord with the now-defunct and once-powerful FARC guerrilla army, and also a conduit for cocaine trafficking.The government's citizens' rights ombudsman said on X that as the killings come in the lead-up to elections, they "seriously affect" people's ability to take part.Security is a big issue…
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