Indigenous Leader and Two Bodyguards Murdered in Colombia

Indigenous Leader and Bodyguards Assassinated in Nariño, Colombia A shocking event unfolded in the rural area of Ricaurte, Nariño, Colombia, where Luis Aurelio Araújo, an indigenous leader, and his two bodyguards were brutally murdered. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday morning, involved armed men who opened fire on their vehicle before incinerating it. The mayor of Ricaurte, José Ricardo Benavides, expressed his profound sorrow and called for increased support from law enforcement and human rights organizations. "We lament that these events continue to occur in our municipality," Benavides stated, emphasizing the need for greater protection for indigenous communities. Leonardo González Perafán, director of Indepaz, described the crime as "perpetrated with cruelty," highlighting the intent to send a message of terror. A reward of 100 million pesos has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing indigenous communities in Colombia who are actively defending their rights.