Colombia has seen some of its worst violence in years, with at least 80 people dead and over 18,000 forced to flee their homes due to clashes between rival armed groups. The conflict, which took place in the northeast region of Catatumbo near Venezuela’s border, has raised concerns that Colombia is moving away from its goal of achieving “total peace” after signing a peace deal with its largest rebel group, FARC.
President Gustavo Petro’s government deployed troops and humanitarian assistance to affected areas. However, the clashes have highlighted old rivalries between groups fighting for control of territory and lucrative industries like coca cultivation. The ELN (National Liberation Army), one of the oldest leftist guerrilla groups in Latin America, has been accused of a “massacre” by Petro.
The violence comes amid growing tensions between Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who provides safe haven to ELN members. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated between the two countries. The Colombian government is urging calm and calling on armed groups to end the conflict, which has left many civilians displaced and vulnerable.
International organizations warn of a growing security crisis in Colombia, with some analysts predicting that the country’s security situation could erupt into violence at any moment. “We are very concerned that moment is now,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, a Colombia-based analyst for the nonprofit organization International Crisis Group. The clashes have significant implications for regional stability and global politics.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/world/americas/colombia-catatumbo-rebel-violence.html