At least 80 people were killed in Colombia’s northeast region over the weekend following the government’s failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). The violence has forced thousands of people to flee, with some hiding in nearby mountains or seeking help at government shelters.
Community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven others who sought to sign a peace deal were among the victims. Attacks occurred in several towns in the Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela, including kidnappings of three people involved in the talks.
Defense Minister Iván Velásquez traveled to the affected area on Sunday, urging armed groups to demobilize and promising to deploy troops to guarantee community security. The government has also prepared to send aid to approximately 5,000 people in need.
The attack comes after Colombia suspended peace talks with the ELN for the second time in less than a year. The group has demanded recognition as a political rebel organization, which critics say is risky.
In a statement, the ELN accused former FARC rebels of several killings and threatened them with armed confrontation if they continued attacking civilians. Army commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría said authorities were reinforcing humanitarian corridors for safe passage of those fleeing their homes.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/19/americas/colombia-80-killed-peace-talks-fail-intl-latam/index.html