Colombia · Country watch
Caribbean Lockdown Ends, Dollar Rises, Santa Marta Tension
ACSN ends Caribbean lockdown, dollar rises to $3,317, and Santa Marta faces security challenges.
The picture Mixed How this is judged →
Business conditions in Colombia are mixed today. The end of the Caribbean lockdown reduces logistics disruption, but security concerns in Santa Marta persist. Meanwhile, the rising dollar impacts import costs and travel expenses, affecting various sectors.
In this briefing ACSN · Santa Marta · US Department of State · US dollar · Colombian peso
Disruption
ACSN Ends Lockdown on Colombia's Caribbean Coast
The ACSN, a Santa Marta-based organized crime group, announced that the lockdown it imposed on Colombia's Caribbean coast will end on Friday morning. The group confirmed the end of the 72-hour armed strike at 7:00 AM on September 25, 2026, according to Colombia Reports. The lockdown had disrupted transportation and logistics in the region, affecting businesses and tourism. Local authorities have been working to restore normalcy as the situation stabilizes.
Impact Logistics operators and tourists in the Caribbean region face reduced disruption as the lockdown ends.
Sources: Colombia Reports ↗
Safety & health
US Warns Citizens on Santa Marta Security Issues
The US Department of State issued a travel advisory for its citizens planning to visit Santa Marta and the Magdalena region due to ongoing security concerns. The warning follows an armed strike and threats from the ACSN group, also known as Los Pachenca, El Colombiano reports. The advisory highlights potential risks related to violence and roadblocks, urging travelers to exercise caution.
Impact Tour operators and local businesses in Santa Marta may see reduced US tourist arrivals amid security warnings.
Sources: El Colombiano ↗
Markets
Dollar Rises to $3,317, Highest Since July
Part of: Colombian Peso and US Dollar exchange rate fluctuations →
The US dollar rose sharply in Colombia, reaching a high of $3,317, a level not seen since July 21. The currency gained $163.95 over the past week, closing at an average price of $3,264.40, El Colombiano reports. The increase follows a period of minimal fluctuations earlier this semester. Experts attribute the rise to external economic factors and changes in market sentiment.
Impact Importers and travelers face higher costs as the dollar strengthens against the Colombian peso.
Sources: El Colombiano ↗
Nothing significant reported today in Regulation · Internal tension · Companies · Trade · Politics.
Also today in the local press
- Más de 440 sismos en cuatro días: ¿por qué tiembla tanto en Chaparral? — El Colombiano
- Arde la Costa: Abelardo, con pistola al cinto, enfrenta crisis de seguridad en Santa Marta — El Colombiano
- “La fiesta fue muy larga”: MinHacienda alerta que gasto de funcionamiento subió 86% y deuda 122% en el gobierno Petro — El Colombiano
- ¿El presidente debe portar un arma? El debate que abrió De la Espriella al salir armado en Santa Marta y Cali — El Colombiano
- De la Espriella lideró operativo de seguridad en Cali: “Estamos retomando el corazón de la ciudad” — El Colombiano
- Así intenta Santa Marta volver a la normalidad tras paro armado: “retomen sus actividades y confíen” — El Colombiano
- ¿Camino despejado para el Gobierno con presupuesto de 2027? Así avanza acuerdo en el Congreso — El Colombiano
Sources in this briefing
Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.