Colombian authorities are awaiting a decision from the U.S. on whether to grant Bogota certification in the fight against drug trafficking. 500 million USD are at stake. The country is therefore stepping up its efforts to appease Washington.

Bogotá

Colombia's Minister of Defence has publicly demonstrated the nation's commitment to fighting drug trafficking, particularly through a visit to a coca eradication program near the Ecuadorian border. This initiative is part of a broader campaign aimed at securing continued US certification, which is linked to nearly half a billion dollars in funding for anti-cartel and anti-guerrilla operations.

Recent weeks have seen violent clashes between the Colombian army and drug trafficking groups, resulting in numerous deaths. The US has adopted a hard-line stance, including deploying warships near Venezuela, a move Colombia has criticized as counter-productive. Despite regional cooperation, coca cultivation in Colombia has risen sharply, increasing by 70% since 2022 according to UN and Colombian authorities.

Colombia demonstrates willingness to fight drug trafficking

Shovel in hand, Colombia's Minister of Defence has a new mission, demonstrate his country's willingness to fight against drug trafficking. Pedro Sanchez travelled to the Ecuadorian border to visit a COCOA eradication programme. All part of a communication campaign to convince an important ally, the United States of America. If we don't get certification, then obviously the traffickers win and nations lose. Certification is, in a way, a symbol of cooperation, of alliance, of trust, but also of capabilities, of meaningful support that allows us to act with greater force because teamwork works better." Washington has until the 15th of September to decide if it gives Bogotá that crucial certification. At risk is nearly half a billion dollars in US funding to combat cartels and left-wing guerrillas funded by cocaine trafficking. In the last few weeks, violent fighting broke out between the Colombian army and different narco-trafficking groups, where dozens of people were killed. The Trump administration is taking a hard-line approach to fighting cartels in the region. The US deployed warships near the Venezuelan coast. The Colombians, though, called the move counter-productive. There is no doubt that countries in the region are committed to the fight against drug trafficking. But this disproportionate American presence, given the tensions between Venezuela and the United States, compels us to warn that interference is not possible. The situation is getting worse. According to the UN as well as Colombian authorities, coca cultivation in Colombia has increased by 70% since 2022.

Problems with a cable likely caused a Lisbon funicular railway popular with tourists to hurtle down a hill, killing at least 16 people and injuring another 22 when it crashed into a building, according to a preliminary report.

Lisbon

Deadly Portugal funicular crash likely due to problems with cable

U.S. indie director Jim Jarmusch unexpectedly won the coveted Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday with "Father Mother Sister Brother", a three-part meditation on the uneasy ties between parents and their adult children.

Venice

U.S. independent director Jim Jarmusch wins Venice top prize

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday (September 7) he has decided to resign, caving to ruling party pressure on him to take responsibility for a series of election losses amid voter anger over rising living costs.

Tokyo

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba resigns after election losses

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Savannah

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Chicago

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Caracas

Trump plays down regime change in Venezuela amid military buildup

The Israeli military told Palestinians in Gaza City to leave for the south before bombing a high-rise tower as its forces advance deeper into the enclave's largest urban area.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Middle East Conflict

Israel tells Palestinians to leave as it pushes into Gaza City

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Washington

U.S. to send F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico amid Venezuela tensions

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Beijing

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Jerusalem

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is wrapping up a two-day trip to Latin America. It comes as the countries in the region watch the Trump administration step up military activity in the area, to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration.

Quito

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Kabul

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Paris

Ukraine Invasion

Ukraine's European allies agree security guarantees

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Milan

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Cambridge

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Moscow

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Kunar

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Portuguese authorities say at least 15 people died after a streetcar derailed and crashed in the capital of Lisbon. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has the latest.

Breakdown