At least 20 combatants from rival factions of Colombian rebels died over the weekend in clashes over control of a strategic jungle region used for drug trafficking, military and human rights sources confirmed on Monday. The violence erupted in the southeastern Guaviare jungle involving rival factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
This was when the tensions soared high as the national Liberation Army attacked in the north eastern region of Catatumbo, with reports killing at least 80, leaving 11,000 people homeless.
The Human Rights Ombudsman has reported the highest casualty numbers yet in this fighting, the group stated, “Many dead and wounded” were reported, the army even confirmed that the rebels had lost at least 20 men.
There are actually two groups with FARC now clashing in Guaviare, there is a sector currently in the peace process with Gustavo Petro’s administration, whereas another group went on with a continued armed clash since a bilateral ceasefire was called off in April.
There has been one continuous armed clash for more than sixty years, mostly induced by drug trading and illegal mining in Colombia; the total loss in lives mounts to more than 450,000 and displaced millions.
