Violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region has led to 60 deaths due to clashes between armed groups vying for control of the cocaine trade, primarily the ELN and Farc. The human rights office warns of increased risks of kidnapping and the humanitarian impact on local populations. President Petro has condemned the ELN’s actions and deployed more troops to the area to restore order.
The death toll from recent violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region has tragically reached 60, as reported by the nation’s human rights office. This surge in killings is attributed to clashes between rival factions competing for control over the lucrative cocaine trade, particularly involving the National Liberation Army (ELN) and remnants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) that previously entered into a peace accord in 2016. The clashes have disrupted ongoing peace negotiations between these guerrilla groups.
The Ombudsman’s Office highlighted that many individuals, especially community leaders and their families, face heightened dangers, including kidnapping threats from the ELN. In a disturbing trend, at least 20 individuals have recently been abducted, with a significant number being women. The violence has claimed the lives of several peace treaty signatories and prominent local leaders, exacerbating the already fragile security situation in the region.
Compounding the crisis, reports indicate rising food shortages affecting local communities. The Ombudsman’s Office has underscored the humanitarian impact of the violence, noting that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women, are disproportionately affected. Thousands are believed to have been displaced, leading to increased suffering among these vulnerable groups.
In response to these unfolding events, President Gustavo Petro condemned the ELN’s actions, labeling them as war crimes and accusing the group of showing no sincere willingness to pursue peace. The ELN, however, countered by accusing Farc of instigating the conflict through attacks on civilians. Meanwhile, the Colombian army has taken steps to restore order by deploying additional troops to the beleaguered region.
Colombia’s Catatumbo region has long been marked by violence due to the ongoing competition among various armed groups for control over the cocaine trade. With proximity to Venezuela, this area has become a battleground for factions such as the ELN and Farc, the latter of which signed a peace treaty with the Colombian government six years ago. Tensions have escalated recently, casting doubt on peace negotiations aimed at ending decades of conflict and violence in the country.
The recent escalation of violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, resulting in 60 fatalities, highlights the ongoing struggle for power among drug trafficking factions and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. The situation poses dire risks to civilians, exacerbating issues such as displacement and food insecurity. As the government seeks to restore peace, the dynamics between long-standing armed groups remain complex and volatile.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
