COLOMBIAN DRUG GANG VIOLENCE CLAIMS 60 LIVES IN CATATUMBI REGION. (PHOTO).

 

Colombian Drug Gang Violence Claims 60 Lives in Catatumbo Region

Violent clashes between rival guerrilla groups in Colombia’s Catatumbo region have claimed 60 lives, as reported by the nation’s human rights office. The conflict, involving the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has displaced thousands and destabilized the border area near Venezuela.

The fragile truce between the groups has collapsed, with both vying for dominance in the lucrative cocaine trade. Among the victims are seven signatories of the 2016 FARC peace agreement and Carmelo Guerrero, a respected community leader and head of the Association for Peasant Unity in Catatumbo (Asuncat).

Advocacy groups have condemned the renewed violence, highlighting its devastating impact on families and local communities. Food shortages are worsening the crisis, particularly for children, the elderly, and pregnant women, while at least 20 kidnappings—half involving women—have been reported.

In response, the Colombian government has suspended peace talks with the ELN, accusing the group of committing “war crimes.” The ELN, however, blames FARC for initiating the violence. The Colombian army has since deployed additional troops to stabilize the area and protect civilians.

President Gustavo Petro, who has prioritized ending Colombia’s armed conflicts, condemned the violence and called for renewed peace efforts, though achieving a lasting resolution remains a daunting challenge.