Violence Escalates in Colombia’s Catatumbo Region as Death Toll Rises to 60.
Colombia:
The death toll from escalating violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region has surged to 60, according to the country’s Ombudsman’s Office, as clashes between rival rebel factions intensify. The region, located near the border with Venezuela, has long been a focal point for competing groups vying for control of the lucrative cocaine trade.
The latest wave of violence is primarily attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The ELN, the largest active armed group in Colombia, is clashing with FARC, a group that signed a peace treaty with the Colombian government in 2016. These attacks have shattered an uneasy truce between the two groups, which had been engaged in peace negotiations with the government prior to the recent violence.
The Ombudsman’s Office had previously reported that at least 40 people had died in the violence, but the death toll has now risen to 60. Among the victims are seven signatories of the 2016 peace agreement and Carmelo Guerrero, the leader of the Association for Peasant Unity in Catatumbo (Asuncat), a local advocacy group. The office also highlighted the kidnapping of 20 individuals, including women, with many more facing threats of abduction or death, particularly community leaders and their families.
As the violence continues, the region is grappling with severe food shortages, and thousands of people have been displaced. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, are suffering the most.
In a statement, the Association of Mothers of Catatumbo for Peace expressed deep sorrow, saying, “The bullets exchanged not only hurt those who hold the weapons, but also tear apart the dreams of our communities, break up families and sow terror in the hearts of our children.”
The violence has prompted a sharp response from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who condemned the ELN for committing “war crimes” and accused the group of showing no willingness to engage in peace talks. Petro had been working toward peace negotiations with armed groups since taking office in 2022, but the recent clashes have complicated these efforts.
The ELN, however, has accused FARC of sparking the conflict by killing civilians, although FARC has not yet responded publicly to these allegations.
In an effort to restore order, the Colombian army has deployed additional troops to the region. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense as the humanitarian crisis deepens, with civilians caught in the crossfire of a prolonged and violent struggle for control of the region.
