Additional Coverage:
Colombia: Violence in Catatumbo Region Escalates
The death toll in the Catatumbo region of Colombia has risen to 60 as rival rebel groups battle for control of the cocaine trade. The National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) have broken an uneasy truce, unleashing a wave of violence.
The Ombudsman’s Office reports that community leaders, including peace treaty signatories, have been targeted. Twenty people have been kidnapped, with women making up half of the victims.
“Catatumbo is once again stained with blood,” lamented the Association of Mothers of Catatumbo for Peace. The violence has forced thousands to flee their homes, leaving many without food.
The Ombudsman’s Office blames the ELN for the escalation, accusing it of “war crimes.” President Petro has condemned the group’s actions and called for peace.
The ELN, however, claims that Farc initiated the conflict by killing civilians. Farc has not commented on the accusation.
The Colombian army has deployed additional troops to the region to quell the violence and restore stability.