A recent surge in violence in the Catatumbo region of Colombia, largely fueled by disputes over cocaine trafficking, has resulted in the death of at least 60 people, according to the country's human rights office. This escalating conflict primarily involves the National Liberation Army (ELN)—Colombia's largest remaining guerrilla group—and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which previously signed a peace agreement with the state in 2016.
The Ombudsman's Office reported that the latest wave of violence has shattered a fragile truce between these factions, which had been engaged in peace negotiations with the Colombian government. Initially, 40 deaths were reported, but the number has now risen dramatically amid the chaos that has unfolded.
Among the victims are significant community figures, including seven signatories of the peace treaty and Carmelo Guerrero, a prominent leader of the Association for Peasant Unity in Catatumbo (Asuncat). The association announced via social media that two board members, Roger Quintero and Freiman Velasquez, have gone missing and are suspected to have been abducted by armed groups.
The Ombudsman's Office noted that many local inhabitants, especially community leaders and their families, are under a "special risk" of kidnapping or violence at the hands of the ELN. The situation has deteriorated so severely that food shortages are emerging, with many families facing dire conditions as thousands have been displaced by the violence.
Local advocacy groups, including the Association of Mothers of Catatumbo for Peace, condemned the violence, stating, "Catatumbo is once again stained with blood. The bullets exchanged not only hurt those who hold the weapons but also tear apart the dreams of our communities."
As violence continues, Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the ELN's actions, accusing them of committing "war crimes" and exhibiting an unwillingness to seek peace. Meanwhile, the ELN has countered accusations, claiming that FARC instigated the recent hostilities by targeting civilians, although FARC has yet to publicly respond to this claim.
To counter the escalating violence, the Colombian army has announced plans to deploy additional troops to the region in attempts to restore order and protect the vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.
