Christian Leaders Bodies Found in Mass Grave
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The bodies of eight Christian leaders who disappeared in April were discovered in a mass grave in Colombia.
The victims—James Caicedo, Óscar García, Máryuri Hernández, Maribel Silva, Isaid Gómez, Carlos Valero, Nixon Peñaloza, and Jesús Valero—were conducting humanitarian and spiritual outreach in the region, according to the office of the attorney general, cited by Christian Daily International.
Why It Matters
The region is marked by power struggles between dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN).
This massacre represents the largest recorded in Colombia in 2025, according to the Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz).
Christians are often targeted in Columbia because they oppose the country's drug cartels and guerrilla groups, according to Open Doors' 2025 World Watch Report of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian
What To Know
The Christian leaders were summoned by members of the FARC's Armando Ríos Front, led by Iván Mordisco, prior to their disappearance, according to initial reports from the attorney general's office.
The FARC was trying to block the influence of a rival ELN cell in the area, but authorities have not found any evidence of any links between the Christians and the guerrilla group.
The victims' identities and backgrounds were confirmed by Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Open Doors, which highlighted that Colombian Christian leaders, particularly those working with youth, are frequent targets of cartel or guerrilla violence.
The mass grave was identified after authorities detained a guerrilla in May whose cellphone contained photos of the victims and the crime, making it possible to locate the grave.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called this massacre a grave human rights violation and called for a stronger security presence in regions affected by conflict.
Stock photo of a cross atop a church, taken in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Dec. 19, 2011.
Stock photo of a cross atop a church, taken in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Dec. 19, 2011.
AP
What People Are Saying
The Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL) said in a statement: "We ask for prayers for peace and consolation for these families. We raise a firm voice of cry and demand that the authorities ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished, that the investigations move forward swiftly, and that real guarantees are provided for the protection of the lives and integrity of those who exercise spiritual leadership in the most vulnerable regions of the country."
The daughter of one of the victims told SEMANA newspaper that the Petro administration should be "present and to avoid these types of situations, because currently two armed groups are fighting over territory, and the peasantry is caught in the middle, and there is no response from the state, no protection from the state. In other words, we are truly alone in a war between two armed groups."
What Happens Next
Investigations are ongoing by the Colombian attorney general's office, and the Evangelical Confederation has called for urgent protection measures.
International organizations are monitoring further developments and urging the Colombian government to address violence against religious and social leaders in rural regions
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Colombian police capture suspected leader in senator's shooting
By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) -Colombian police have captured a fugitive accused of planning last month's gun attack on Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate, the head of the country's national police said on Saturday, marking the fifth arrest in the case. Elder Jose Arteaga, known as El Costeno, was arrested on suspicion of organizing and coordinating the politician's shooting at a rally in Colombia's capital Bogota on June 7 to commit the crime, police said. This includes handing over the gun used in the attack to the 15-year-old charged with shooting Uribe, the police added. "We are going after the intellectual authors of this act," National Police Director Carlos Fernando Triana told a press conference," adding that Arteaga had a criminal history going back more than 20 years. Footage on social media showed armed officers cuffing the suspect during a morning raid on a house police said was in a western neighborhood of Bogota, a day after Triana announced that Interpol had issued a red notice for his arrest. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Arteaga, 41, for comment. Triana said in a post on social media on Friday that he was wanted for "aggravated attempted homicide; manufacture, trafficking and carrying of firearms or ammunition; and use of minors for the commission of crimes." On Saturday, Triana told reporters police were investigating several theories about who was intellectually responsible for the attack, without giving more details. There is reward of up to 3 billion pesos (over $750,000) for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on X. Sanchez added that the United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates were helping investigate the crime, which he said operated under a "model of criminal outsourcing." Uribe -- a 39-year-old presidential pre-candidate for the conservative opposition Democratic Center party -- was shot twice in the head and once in his left leg, according to state prosecutors. He has undergone several serious surgeries since the attack, which left him in critical condition. Four other suspects have since been arrested, including the 15-year-old alleged shooter who was detained minutes after the attack. In a video of event, independently verified by Reuters, he can be heard shouting that he had been hired by a local drug dealer. Uribe comes from a prominent political family. His grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was president from 1978 to 1982, and his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 in a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped by an armed group led by drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Bookmakers Release Odds for UFC's White House Fight Night
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. has released betting odds for what could be the most unprecedented event in mixed martial arts (MMA0 history. Following President Donald Trump's announcement that he is considering hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House to mark America's 250th anniversary, the sportsbook created an extensive menu of creative proposition bets for the potentially historic July 4, 2026, occasion. Newsweek has previously contacted the White House and UFC via email for comment. Why It Matters This potential UFC event represents an unprecedented fusion of politics and sports entertainment, forming part of Trump's broader America 250 celebration plans. The president's enthusiasm for MMA, combined with his friendship with UFC President Dana White, has transformed what might seem like an outlandish idea into a legitimate possibility that's captured betting markets and public attention. The event would mark the first time a professional combat sports event has been held on White House grounds, potentially accommodating 20,000 to 25,000 spectators to watch the "full fight" according to Trump's estimates. President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White attend a UFC 316 event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on June 7. President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White attend a UFC 316 event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on June 7. FRANK FRANKLIN II/POOL/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, Trump outlined his vision for the event: "We're going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed after the speech that Trump was "dead serious" about hosting the event. A UFC official told CNN that the organization is "in discussions with the White House about hosting a UFC event on site." Which Fighters Could Be in the UFC White House Main Event? Dustin Poirier leads the main event betting at 5/2 odds, followed by Max Holloway at 3/1 and Sean O'Malley at 4/1. Justin Gaethje sits at 9/2, while Sean Brady rounds out the top five at 11/2. Notable fighters further down the list include former champions Jon Jones at 8/1 and Conor McGregor at 10/1. Who Could Be a White House UFC Ring Girl? The political ring girl category features GOP Alabama Senator Katie Britt as the favorite at 8/1, with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at 9/1 and GOP Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert at 10/1. Leavitt sits at 12/1, while members of the Trump family including Tiffany Trump (16/1) and Ivanka Trump (25/1) are also featured. Some prominent Democrats are also listed. Former first lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg sit last on the list at 500/1. Where Could the White House Octagon Be Located? Location betting heavily favors the South Lawn at 1/2 odds, while the Tennis Court and Putting Green area sits at 5/2. The Rose Garden carries 4/1 odds, with indoor locations like the West Wing (8/1) and East Wing (12/1) considered less likely venues. Presidential Involvement Betting markets show strong confidence Trump will personally present the championship belt, with "Yes" odds at 2/3 compared to "No" at 1/1. For Trump's first octagon appearance, dancing carries 1/2 odds while speaking on the microphone first sits at 3/2. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump on Thursday: "So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight." Monica Crowley, the chief of protocol of the U.S., said: "We've had so much division and so much polarization over the last many decades, but certainly over the last few years, that to be able to bring the country together to celebrate America's 250th birthday through patriotism, shared values and a renewed sense of civic pride, to be able to do that in the center of the country, is incredibly important." What Happens Next? While officials have not confirmed a specific date or provided logistical details, the betting markets suggest confidence that the event will proceed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Alleged mastermind of shooting attack on Colombian politician arrested
The alleged mastermind behind the shooting of a conservative Colombian senator and presidential candidate was taken into custody, almost a month after the attack, law enforcement authorities said. Elder Jose Arteaga Hernandez, alias 'Chipi' or 'Costeno', was arrested in a neighbourhood in the northwestern part of the capital, Bogota, national police director Major General Carlos Fernando Triana told reporters. Authorities had previously accused him and other suspects of being near the Bogota park where Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in broad daylight on June 7. Mr Uribe was giving a political speech in the park when he was attacked from behind and wounded in the head, allegedly by a minor who was captured as he fled. Three other people have been arrested for participating in the logistics and execution of the crime. The motive is still being investigated. Mr Uribe, who in October announced his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election, remains in intensive care and has undergone several surgeries. From his Senate seat, he had become one of President Gustavo Petro's most vocal critics. The attack has been widely condemned in a country with a dark past in which drug cartels and insurgent groups murdered and kidnapped politicians. Charges against Arteaga include attempted aggravated homicide; manufacturing, trafficking and carrying firearms or ammunition; and using minors to commit crimes. Interpol issued a red notice against him on Friday. It was not immediately clear Saturday if Arteaga had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Authorities said he would make his first court appearance over the weekend. Maj Gen Triana last month said Arteaga 'has been involved in a life of crime for more than 20 years, performing hit jobs in all types of crimes in Bogota'.
