Clashes between armed groups in Colombia have resulted in significant violence, with at least 80 people deceased and over 18,000 displaced from their homes. This unrest is primarily occurring in the northeast region of Catatumbo, near the border with Venezuela.
The violence has unfolded over the past four days, prompting concerns about the country's progress toward achieving "total peace," a priority for leftist President Gustavo Petro, who is currently more than halfway through his four-year term. In response to the crisis, President Petro visited the affected area and announced the deployment of troops and humanitarian assistance.
Displaced families are taking refuge in a stadium in Cúcuta, a border town that has historically welcomed Venezuelan migrants. In some instances, Colombian citizens are seeking safety across the border in Venezuela, where the country's leader, Nicolás Maduro, has pledged to provide aid.
The recent violence marks a stark contrast to the optimism that followed the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which aimed to end decades of internal conflict involving leftist guerrilla groups, paramilitary factions, and the government. While thousands of FARC fighters disarmed following the agreement, new and existing rebel groups have emerged, complicating the conflict.
Currently, the ELN and a faction of former FARC members known as the 33rd Front are vying for control in Catatumbo, an area rich in coca fields, the primary ingredient for cocaine production. General Luis Emilio Cardozo, head of the Colombian army, reported multiple clashes between the rival groups and indicated that some armed fighters were targeting individuals associated with the 33rd Front.
The ELN, regarded as Latin America’s oldest leftist guerrilla group, has transformed its focus from promoting revolutionary ideals to engaging in territorial and profit-driven conflict. President Petro has criticized the ELN, labeling them a "mafia" and suspending ongoing peace talks. The ELN's territorial presence has notably expanded in recent years, with thousands of members operating across numerous municipalities.
This rise in violence comes amid escalating tensions between President Petro and Nicolas Maduro, who supports the ELN. The humanitarian situation has been described as one of the most severe crises in Catatumbo, with officials indicating a significant increase in the number of displaced individuals. The International Committee of the Red Cross is monitoring multiple armed conflicts within Colombia, while the United Nations has also confirmed the worsening humanitarian conditions.
Local officials have called on the armed groups involved in the conflict to cease hostilities. The violence in Catatumbo underscores a troubling resurgence of chaos in Colombia, raising alarms about the potential for further escalations across the country.