Colombia

Colombia is a South American country bordering Venezuela. Recent news focuses on a tragic plane crash in northeast Colombia near the Venezuelan border, killing all 15 people on board, including a Colombian politician. The state-owned airline Satena confirmed the crash of the Beechcraft 1900, which disappeared shortly after takeoff. The crash site is in a mountainous region, hindering search efforts. The area is reportedly contested by rebels. This event is newsworthy due to the loss of life, including a public official, and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash. Separately, Colombia is mentioned in connection to a large cocaine trafficking operation busted in Spain. The operation involved 'floating bases' in the Atlantic, with drugs transported to Spain via speedboats, highlighting Colombia's continued relevance in international drug trafficking networks.