At least 80 people killed in northeast Colombia as peace talks fail, official says
More than 80 people lost their lives in Colombia’s northeast over the weekend due to the government’s failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). The violence also left twenty individuals injured and forced thousands to flee the area, as the Colombian army worked to evacuate residents in North Santander, where many of the killings occurred.
Among the victims were community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals who were seeking to sign a peace agreement, as reported by a government ombudsman agency. The attacks took place in various towns in the Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border, with three individuals involved in the peace negotiations being kidnapped.
The situation prompted a mass exodus from the area, with people seeking refuge in the nearby mountains or government shelters. Juan Gutiérrez, who fled with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibú, described being caught in the crossfire and leaving behind their belongings. The Colombian army conducted rescue operations, including evacuating a family and their pet dog by helicopter.
Defense Minister Iván Velásquez traveled to Cúcuta to hold security meetings and urge armed groups to demobilize, emphasizing the importance of saving lives and ensuring community safety. The government also arranged for the delivery of 10 tons of food and hygiene supplies for around 5,000 displaced individuals in Ocaña and Tibú.
The violence erupted after Colombia suspended peace talks with the ELN for the second time in less than a year, demanding an end to attacks and access for humanitarian aid. Municipal officials expressed concerns about escalating displacement and called for renewed dialogue to prevent further civilian suffering.
The ELN has been engaged in clashes with former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in Catatumbo, vying for control of the strategic border region with coca plantations. The ELN accused ex-FARC rebels of multiple killings, leading to armed confrontations and escalating tensions in the area.
Army commander Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría announced the reinforcement of a humanitarian corridor for displaced individuals and the deployment of urban troops to high-risk areas. The ELN’s attempts to negotiate peace with President Gustavo Petro’s administration have been unsuccessful, with demands for political recognition posing challenges to the peace process.
