Northeastern Colombia witnessed a devastating surge in violence, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. The attacks, which have forced thousands to flee, occurred in the Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are reportedly clashing over control of this strategic area, rich in coca leaf plantations.

According to North Santander Governor William Villamizar, among the dead are community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals who were engaged in peace negotiations. The violence also left 20 people injured, with many seeking refuge in government shelters or hiding in the surrounding mountains.

“We were caught in the crossfire,” said Juan Gutiérrez, a resident who fled with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibú.

“We had no time to grab our things… I hope the government remembers us. We are helpless here.”
Juan Gutiérrez

Colombia’s military has stepped up its response, rescuing dozens, including a family with their pet dog. The animal’s owner was seen pressing a cold water pack against its chest during their evacuation by helicopter.

Government Scrambles to Aid Displaced Residents

Defense Minister Iván Velásquez visited Cúcuta on Sunday, holding security meetings and calling on armed groups to demobilize. “The priority is to save lives and guarantee the security of communities,” he asserted.

Troops have been deployed across the region, and preparations are underway to distribute 10 tons of food and hygiene kits to approximately 5,000 displaced individuals in Ocaña and Tibú. Governor Villamizar, in a public address, emphasized the dire situation.

“Boys, girls, young people, teenagers, entire families are showing up with nothing, riding trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, whatever they can, on foot, to avoid being victims of this confrontation.”
Governor Villamizar

This outbreak of violence follows the Colombian government’s suspension of peace talks with the ELN, marking the second such breakdown in less than a year. The government has insisted that the ELN halt all attacks and permit the provision of humanitarian aid in the region.

José Trinidad, a municipal official from Convención, expressed concern about the escalating crisis. “Displacement is killing us here in the region,” he said. “We’re afraid the crisis will worsen.” He urged the insurgent groups to reach a new agreement to spare civilians from further suffering.

The ELN has been embroiled in a territorial dispute with ex-FARC members, who disbanded after a 2016 peace deal with the Colombian government. Both factions are vying for dominance in Catatumbo, a critical area for the coca trade.

In a statement, the ELN accused former FARC rebels of instigating the conflict and committing multiple killings, including the murder of a couple and their 9-month-old baby earlier this month. They warned that continued attacks on the population would leave them no choice but armed confrontation.

Meanwhile, Army Commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría announced the reinforcement of a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to ensure the safe passage of those displaced. Special urban troops have also been deployed to high-risk municipal areas.

Efforts to negotiate peace between the ELN and President Gustavo Petro’s administration have repeatedly failed, with violence derailing talks. The ELN’s demands to be recognized as a political rebel organization have sparked significant debate and criticism.

This latest outbreak of violence underscores the fragile state of peace in Colombia and the urgent need for a resolution to prevent further loss of life.