Colombian senator kidnapped, president targeted in election run-upThis video grab taken from handout footage released by the Colombian Defense Ministry shows Colombian Indigenous senator Aida Quilcue hugging people after being freed from kidnapping in Cauca department, Colombia on February 10, 2026BOGOTá - A Colombian senator was rescued from kidnappers Tuesday as the country's president reported an attempt on his own life in the run-up to elections that observers have warned could be marred by violence. President Gustavo Petro had earlier warned the kidnappers to release Quilcue or risk crossing "a red line." Last week, a Colombian observer group said more than 300 municipalities -- a third of the national territory -- are at risk of electoral violence. There has been a surge in violence in Colombia ahead of this year's presidential elections, with bomb and drone attacks in parts of the country and the assassination of a presidential hopeful. The country is slated to hold legislative elections on March 8 and presidential elections on May 31, with a runoff planned for June if needed.

Source: Bangkok Post February 11, 2026 04:00 UTC