BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Over the weekend, violence in northeast Colombia led to the deaths of over 80 individuals as the government’s attempt to negotiate peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) unraveled. According to regional authorities, around 20 others sustained injuries in the chaos, propelling thousands to flee the area while the Colombian military acted to assist evacuations on Sunday, as stated by North Santander Governor William Villamizar.
Governor Villamizar reported that among the deceased was community leader Carmelo Guerrero, alongside seven others who had engaged in discussions for a peace agreement. The attacks predominantly occurred across several towns in the Catatumbo region, close to the Venezuelan border, and also included the kidnapping of at least three individuals who were participating in the peace negotiations.
The upheaval has led to a mass exodus, with many residents seeking shelter in the dense mountains nearby or at government-provided safe havens. Juan Gutiérrez, who fled with his family to a temporary camp in Tibú, shared the harrowing experience: “We were caught in the crossfire. We had no time to grab our things. … I hope the government remembers us. … We are helpless here.”
On Sunday, the army successfully rescued numerous individuals, including a family and their pet dog, who was kept cool during the helicopter evacuation with a pack of cold water.
In a swift response, Defense Minister Iván Velásquez made a visit to Cúcuta, coordinating the dispatch of 10 tons of food and hygiene supplies for an estimated 5,000 displaced individuals, primarily those who had fled the violence in Ocaña and Tibú. Villamizar, addressing the situation, emphasized the urgent need for assistance: “Catatumbo needs help. Boys, girls, young people, 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 outbreak of violence follows Colombia’s decision to halt peace efforts with the ELN on Friday—marking the second suspension in under a year. The Colombian government has insisted that the ELN must cease its assaults and permit humanitarian aid access to the afflicted regions.
José Trinidad, a municipal leader from Convención in North Santander, expressed concerns regarding the displacement crisis, stating, “Displacement is killing us here in the region. We’re afraid the crisis will worsen.” He urged insurgent factions to come to the negotiating table to forge a new agreement that could alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the violence.
The ELN has been engaged in conflicts within Catatumbo against former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who disbanded after signing a peace accord with the government in 2016. The two groups are battling for dominance over this vital border area, which is particularly known for its coca leaf cultivation.
In a recent statement, the ELN indicated it had issued warnings to ex-FARC members regarding their actions, declaring that continued aggression toward the population would lead to further armed conflict. They accused former FARC guerrillas of several violent incidents in the region, including a recent tragedy on January 15 that left a couple and their 9-month-old child dead.
Army Commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría announced efforts to strengthen a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to ensure safe passage for those fleeing. Moreover, he revealed plans to deploy special urban troops in areas experiencing heightened fear and risk.
Negotiations for a peace deal with President Gustavo Petro’s administration have attempted five times by the ELN, yet all efforts have faltered amid escalating violence. The group is pressing for recognition as a political entity, an aspiration viewed by some as potentially hazardous.
