At least 80 people have been killed in Colombia’s northeast region following failed peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). The violence occurred in several towns near the border with Venezuela, where community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven others who sought to sign a peace deal were among the victims.
Thousands of people are fleeing the area, hiding in nearby mountains or seeking help at government shelters. Colombian authorities have rescued dozens of people, including a family and their pet dog. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez has traveled to the affected area and plans to send 10 tons of food and hygiene kits for approximately 5,000 people.
The ELN had warned former FARC members that if they continued attacking the population, there was no other way out than armed confrontation. The group has accused ex-FARC rebels of several killings in the area, including a couple and their baby.
Colombia’s government demands that the ELN cease all attacks and allow authorities to enter the region to provide humanitarian aid. This marks the second time the country has suspended peace talks with the ELN in less than a year.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kidnapped-colombia-peace-talks-fail-rebel-national-liberation-army