The Government of Canada recently issued a serious security warning to its citizens regarding travel to Colombia, highlighting an increase in risks due to crime and sexual exploitation of minors, particularly in Medellín, Antioquia Department.

According to reports from The city newspaper, The recommendation involves exercising a “high degree of caution” and avoiding specific areas with a high presence of armed groups. and criminal organizations upon their arrival in the coffee-producing country.

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Among the areas specified by the Canadian warning are conflict regions such as Arauca, a department in which illegal armed groups such as the FARC and ELN dissidents are present; Caquetá (excluding the city of Florence); certain parts of Cauca (except Popayán); Chocó (excluding Nuquí, Bahía Solano and Capurganá).

They also did warnings regarding border areas with Venezuela (excluding Cúcuta); Panama, where the risk of illegal activities is high, and Ecuador, with the exception of the Ipiales border crossing, warn of risks such as kidnappings and violent crimes. Other places mentioned are the Norte de Santander and port towns like Puerto de Tumaco and Buenaventura, as well as Antioquia, Córdoba, Guainía, Guaviare and Vichada.

The city newspaper also pointed out that The Canadian government has focused on tourism and the sexual exploitation of minors, which is believed to be linked to some tourist homicides. in the capital of Antioquia. Likewise, he urged his compatriots to be careful of kidnappings. express.

It should be noted that this alert comes at a critical time, with the recent death of Salo Lloyd, a 60-year-old Canadian citizen, whose body was discovered in Medellín with head trauma, on February 12, when uniformed police were transported to carry out patrol work in a sector of Commune 16 when they found the body of the stranger lying on the ground. Lloyd's death, which remains under investigation, joins those of at least six other non-migrant foreigners so far in 2024, raising concerns about the safety of visitors to the country.

Lloyd's case, initially found by authorities in suspicious condition, highlights the seriousness of the advisory issued by Canada. The alleged involvement of alcohol and the circumstances of his death add to the complexity of the situation, reflecting the need for increased caution towards visitors to certain regions of Colombia. The Canadian government's warning reminds its citizens of the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly in areas known for high rates of criminal activity and exploitation.

On the other handthe U.S. Embassy in Colombia followed suit, issuing a warning to its citizens about escalating murders and robberies in the city of Paisa, particularly linked to the use of dating apps. Although no tourist homicides have been confirmed in the Aburrá Valley this year, the Metropolitan Police have recorded these seven deaths due to causes including natural illnesses, suicides and overdoses. However, the year 2023 ended with an alarming total of 12 homicides of people of other nationalities, except Venezuelans, in Medellín.

Another of the most notorious cases is that of Tou Ger Xiong, a comedian of Asian-American origin, who was a victim of kidnapping, torture and murder on December 11, 2023. According to investigations carried out by the prosecution and On Gaula, the artist was detained for an extended period while awaiting payments from himself and his family.

Although he gave more than $3,000 to one of his captors, his body was found the next day in a ravine in a wooded area of ​​Robledo, northwest of Medellín. This serious event has set a worrying precedent for the safety of international visitors to the region.