Over 80 people were killed and 20 others injured in northeast Colombia this weekend after peace talks between the government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) collapsed, officials said. The violence has forced thousands to flee the Catatumbo region, near the Venezuelan border.
William Villamizar, governor of North Santander, confirmed the deaths, including community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals involved in the peace process. At least three members of the talks were kidnapped in the attacks, authorities reported.
The clashes, concentrated in the towns of Ocaña and Tibú, have displaced families, many of whom are seeking refuge in government shelters or hiding in nearby mountains. “We had no time to grab our things. … We are helpless here,” said Juan Gutiérrez, a resident who fled to a temporary shelter.
Defense Minister Iván Velásquez visited Cúcuta on Sunday, holding security meetings and urging armed groups to demobilize. “The priority is to save lives and guarantee the security of communities,” he said, as troops were deployed across the region.
Relief efforts include sending 10 tons of food and hygiene kits for roughly 5,000 displaced individuals. Authorities also established a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to assist evacuees, according to Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría, army commander.
The conflict escalated after the Colombian government suspended peace talks with the ELN on Friday, citing ongoing violence. The ELN has clashed with ex-members of the disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), vying for control of the region’s coca plantations.
President Gustavo Petro’s administration has made five attempts to negotiate with the ELN, but talks have repeatedly failed. The ELN has demanded recognition as a political rebel organization—a request critics say could undermine security efforts.
