In the Catatumbo region of Colombia, violence linked to drug trafficking has claimed at least 60 lives, according to the country's human rights office. The turmoil has primarily erupted between the National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's largest active armed group, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), which previously signed a peace accord in 2016. The recent bloodshed marks a breakdown of peace talks that were in progress.
Reportedly, the ELN has been targeting community leaders, with authorities warning of heightened risk of kidnappings and fatalities, including the deaths of seven individuals who had previously endorsed the peace agreement. An alarming incident involved 20 kidnappings, where half of the victims were women.
Local advocacy group Asuncat has publicly expressed concern over the fate of its board members who have gone missing amid the unrest. Moreover, food insecurity is becoming a critical issue as violence displaces thousands, impacting vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Advocacy groups have condemned the violence, calling it a severe blow to community dreams and stability. President Gustavo Petro has condemned the ELN, accusing them of war crimes, while the group counters by blaming Farc for provocations. In response, Colombia's military is dispatching additional troops to restore peace in the troubled area.
Reportedly, the ELN has been targeting community leaders, with authorities warning of heightened risk of kidnappings and fatalities, including the deaths of seven individuals who had previously endorsed the peace agreement. An alarming incident involved 20 kidnappings, where half of the victims were women.
Local advocacy group Asuncat has publicly expressed concern over the fate of its board members who have gone missing amid the unrest. Moreover, food insecurity is becoming a critical issue as violence displaces thousands, impacting vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Advocacy groups have condemned the violence, calling it a severe blow to community dreams and stability. President Gustavo Petro has condemned the ELN, accusing them of war crimes, while the group counters by blaming Farc for provocations. In response, Colombia's military is dispatching additional troops to restore peace in the troubled area.
