Latest news on Colombia Drug violence
Introduction
Violence erupts in Colombia’s Catatumbo region: At least 80 people have been killed and over 18,000 displaced in northeastern Colombia due to clashes between armed groups near the Venezuelan border. The conflict involves the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a faction of former FARC members known as the 33rd Front.
Current situation
Colombia’s government on Saturday announced a roughly $700,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of four leaders of a rebel group, whose turf war with guerrilla dissidents in a coca growing region bordering Venezuela has left dozens of people dead.
A social media post from the Defense Ministry detailed the reward for the heads of the National Liberation Army, known by its Spanish language acronym ELN.
Those subject to the reward are Nicolás Rodríguez Bautista, Eliecer Herlinto Chamorro, Gustavo Aníbal Giraldo Quinchía and Israel Ramírez Pineda.
History
The conflict in the rural Catatumbo region, where the Colombian state has struggled for decades to gain a foothold, has left at least 80 people dead and 40,000 others displaced over the past 10 days, according to the local government, as fighting intensified between the ELN and holdouts from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, the group's Spanish acronym.
The area is key for drug trafficking, the smuggling of goods and other cross-border illicit activities.
Peace talks with ELN suspended
President Gustavo Petro has halted ongoing peace discussions with the ELN in light of the escalating violence. This setback challenges Petro’s “total peace” program, which aims to end decades of conflict in the country.
Humanitarian crisis unfolds
Thousands of civilians are fleeing the conflict zone, seeking refuge in surrounding areas or government shelters. The Colombian army has deployed over 5,000 soldiers to bolster security and establish humanitarian corridors.
Government response
President Petro visited the affected region, pledging support for the people of Catatumbo. The government has dispatched military forces and humanitarian aid to assist those in need.
Arrest warrants reinstated
Colombia has reinstated arrest warrants for dozens of guerrilla commanders blamed for the recent wave of violence that has displaced 32,000 people.
Shared mobile network launched
In more positive news, telecommunications companies Tigo and Movistar have officially launched UniRed, a shared mobile network integrating their 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in Colombia
Conclusion
This recent surge of violence represents one of the most severe crises Colombia has faced since the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in the country.
