Violence Erupts In Colombia’s Cocaine Hub Leading To 80 Dead, Thousands Displaced

At least 80 have been reported dead, while thousands of others have been displaced by a renewed outbreak of violence in Colombia’s northeastern Catatumbo region. The clash started after an already fragile truce had broken between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident fractions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). Violence has surged since Thursday, which forced around 5,000 individuals to abandon their homes and seek refuge in converted shelters at schools.

Governor William Villamizar of Norte de Santander confirmed the dire situation by requesting emergency humanitarian assistance for the region. It has resulted in many civilian casualties, dozens wounded, and kidnapping at least 20 people including 10 women. The hardest hit municipality, which is Tibu, situated at the core of the conflict, has witnessed approximately 3,000 internally displaced residents.

Local authorities described heartbreaking scenes of families fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs, leaving behind children, elderly family members, and their homes. “We can’t even give the victims a dignified burial due to ongoing violence,” said Mayor Richar Claro. The clashes have also resulted in the deaths of a local community leader and several ex-rebel fighters who had laid down arms in the 2016 peace agreement.

The administration of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who took office promising “total peace,” has been unable to stem the violence in regions such as Catatumbo. The latest developments are likely to undermine Petro’s peace strategy, as the increase in violence will end any chances of fruitful negotiations with the ELN.