Colombia’s Catatumbo Region in Crisis Amid Failed Peace Talks
Over 80 lives have been tragically lost in Colombia’s northeastern region following the collapse of peace negotiations wiht the National liberation Army (ELN), according to a government official. The violence has left 20 others injured,as reported by William Villamizar,the governor of North Santander,the province most affected by the bloodshed.
Among the victims were community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals who were actively involved in efforts to broker a peace agreement. These details emerged in a report released late Saturday by a government ombudsman agency.
The attacks unfolded across several towns in the Catatumbo region, a strategic area near Venezuela’s border. At least three participants in the peace talks were abducted, further escalating tensions. Thousands of residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge in the dense mountains or government-run shelters.
in a heartwarming turn of events, Colombia’s army successfully rescued dozens of civilians on Sunday, including a family and their dog. The family’s resourcefulness shone through as they used a pack of cold water to keep their pet cool during the helicopter evacuation.
Defense Minister Iván Velásquez visited the town of Cúcuta on Sunday, overseeing the delivery of 10 tons of food and hygiene supplies to approximately 5,000 displaced individuals in Ocaña and Tibú. “Catatumbo needs help,” villamizar emphasized in a public address. “Boys, girls, young peopel, teenagers, entire families are showing up with nothing, riding trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, whatever they can, on foot, to avoid being victims of this confrontation.”
This wave of violence follows colombia’s decision to suspend peace talks with the ELN on Friday, marking the second such suspension in less than a year.The government has demanded that the ELN halt all attacks and permit humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas.
The Catatumbo region has become a battleground between the ELN and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who disbanded after signing a peace deal with the government in 2016. Both groups are vying for control of this strategic border area, known for its coca leaf plantations.
In a statement on Saturday, the ELN claimed it had warned former FARC members that continued attacks on civilians would lead to armed conflict. The ELN has also accused ex-FARC rebels of several killings, including the brutal murder of a couple and their 9-month-old baby on January 15.
To address the crisis, Army commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría announced the reinforcement of a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta, ensuring safe passage for those fleeing the violence. Special urban troops have been deployed to municipal capitals “where there are risks and a lot of fear.”
The ELN has attempted to negotiate peace with President Gustavo Petro’s administration five times, but each effort has faltered due to renewed violence. Among their demands is recognition as a political rebel institution—a move critics argue could pose important risks.
