How Cocaine Corridors Are Fueling Colombia’s Worst Violence in Decades | WSJ
The Wall Street Journal • 2026-04-13T17:00:03Z • 16:37:00 • advanced • News
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Colombia is grappling with a surge in violence fueled by the lucrative cocaine trade, as rival armed groups vie for control of key trafficking routes. This blog explores the complexities of the conflict and its impact on local communities.
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Vocabulary
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lucrative
/ˈluːkrətɪv/
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Definition
producing a great deal of profit.
Example
The lucrative cocaine trade has attracted many armed groups to the region.
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demobilizing
/ˌdiːˈmoʊbɪlaɪzɪŋ/
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Definition
to disband or disarm military forces.
Example
The peace deal led to the demobilizing of many former fighters.
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turf
/tɜrf/
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Definition
the ground or territory that a person or group considers to be their own.
Example
The gangs are fighting fiercely to control their turf.
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vigil
/ˈvɪdʒɪl/
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Definition
a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray.
Example
The community held a vigil for the victims of the violence.
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infrastructure
/ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧər/
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Definition
the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society.
Example
The lack of infrastructure in the region makes it difficult for farmers to switch to legal crops.
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exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/
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Definition
to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Example
The new policies may exacerbate the existing tensions in the area.
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