Colombia is under attack by leftwing guerrillas, with over 100 people killed and thousands displaced in a wave of violence that threatens to derail the country’s peace process. President Gustavo Petro has vowed to take a tougher approach, issuing a defiant warning to the National Liberation Army (ELN), which is behind attacks on rival groups.
The ELN, once seen as a key player in negotiations for peace, has been accused of escalating violence and emboldening hardline armed groups. Over 5,000 troops have been deployed to the border area to contain the worst violence seen in years. The country’s troubled history with leftwing, rightwing, and apolitical armed groups vies for control of the lucrative cocaine trade.
The conflict has already displaced 11,000 people, with many fleeing to Venezuela or seeking refuge in local shelters. Residents describe scenes of terror, with rebels going door-to-door, killing those suspected of ties to rival groups. The situation is a fresh challenge for President Petro, who launched negotiations with hardline armed groups after being elected in 2022.
Critics argue that Petro’s conciliatory approach has emboldened these groups and allowed them to grow in power and influence. Colombia’s six-decade-long conflict has left nearly half a million people dead, but dissident factions continue to control territory, making the country the world’s biggest cocaine producer.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/20/colombia-guerrilla-violence-deaths