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Security Alert:  Norte de Santander Department (Colombia), Elevated Risk of Attacks

9/29/2026 | Report

Security Alert:  Norte de Santander Department (Colombia), Elevated Risk of Attacks

*OSAC does not issue alerts. These notices are sourced from the issuing U.S. Embassy & Consulate
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September 29, 2026
 

Location: Norte de Santander Department

Event: There is an elevated risk of attacks in Norte de Santander Department by illegal armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.  Groups in the Catatumbo region have repeatedly used commercially available drones fitted with explosives, often combined with rifle fire, to attack police substations and military installations.

Illegal armed groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning against police stations, government buildings, military installations, and related infrastructure in Norte de Santander Department.

The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Colombia states that U.S. citizens should not travel to Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism or within 10km/5mi of the Colombia-Venezuela border due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention.

Actions to Take:

  • Do not travel to Norte de Santander department due to crime and terrorism, or within 10km/5mi of the Colombia-Venezuela border due to crime, kidnapping, and conflict between armed groups.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Exercise heightened vigilance, particularly near police stations, government buildings, military installations, and along major roads.
  • Do not confront armed individuals.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
  • Monitor local media for security updates.
  • Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.
  • U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to all other regions of Colombia.
  • Review the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Colombia at travel.state.gov.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
Tel. +57-1-275-2000 or 601-275-2000
https://co.usembassy.gov
Contact American Citizen Services

State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 (from U.S. and Canada) or 202-501-4444 (from all other locations)

U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
conagencybarranquilla@state.gov

Colombia Country Information
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