Surveying Colombia's Criminal Landscape

The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are progressing toward a peace deal that is poised to end more than five decades of armed conflict. Over the next few months, the dialogue is expected to continue, advancing on the topics of a final cease-fire and the demobilization of the militants. A peace agreement with the FARC would significantly reduce politically motivated violence in the country. But criminal violence and illegal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion, will continue to pose isolated, localized risks to residents and foreign visitors in Colombia. Even as security improves in the country as a whole, areas of prevalent criminal activity will remain risky for the individuals and businesses operating there....