Around a fire in a ceremonial hut in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Arhuaco people make a pledge. They say armed groups have burned sacred objects and threaten their connection to the land. Campbell says armed groups are using unconventional explosive devices and installing anti-personnel mines in the Sierra Nevada, posing an additional risk. Another tactic is also now being deployed: as tensions escalate, armed groups are turning to children to fill their ranks. View image in fullscreen A ceremonial hut in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Source: The Guardian January 24, 2026 17:06 UTC