Colombia’s special forces deployed Tuesday evening to a northeastern province embroiled in violent clashes between rival armed factions, sparking a humanitarian crisis that has left dozens dead and displaced more than 5,000 people. The fighting erupted Friday over control of a region known for cocaine cultivation and trafficking, prompting President Gustavo Petro to declare a state of emergency Monday.
Petro described the killings as “war crimes” and confirmed the suspension of peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN), which had been underway since 2022. “These atrocities cannot go unanswered,” he said. “The ELN has chosen the path of war, and war will come.”
The conflict pits the ELN against Frente 33, a splinter group of former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) fighters. Local authorities warn that the death toll and displacement figures may rise as reports from remote areas trickle in, with refugees fleeing in convoys and aid agencies struggling to cope.
The violence highlights the fragile security in Catatumbo province, where weak state oversight allows armed groups to profit from drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal mining. These illicit activities fund paramilitary operations, which often integrate into communities to stifle dissent and ensure allegiance.
In response, the government has sent 400 troops to the region, set up humanitarian corridors, and begun evacuations. Relief organizations are working to support displaced families, but the influx has strained neighboring towns and pushed some across the border into Venezuela.
The collapse of peace negotiations marks a major blow to Petro’s strategy, which aimed to build on the 2016 peace accord that disbanded most FARC groups. Temporary ceasefires had been achieved during talks, but the recent escalation has shattered hopes for a lasting deal.
Petro’s shift toward a harder line against the ELN raises fears of further escalation. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our citizens and reestablish order in Catatumbo,” he declared, though critics note he has not addressed the underlying causes of the violence.
As the crisis unfolds, international observers have voiced concern over the humanitarian toll and the broader implications for Colombia’s peace. The coming weeks will test the government’s ability to combat organized crime while alleviating civilian suffering.