Over 80 Killed, 11,000 Displaced in Colombia Violence

A recent surge of violence in Colombia's northeastern Catatumbo region has resulted in over 80 deaths and the displacement of approximately 11,000 people, as clashes erupt between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The violence intensified following the Colombian government's suspension of peace negotiations with the ELN, which President Gustavo Petro accused of committing war crimes. Many civilians have fled to makeshift shelters or crossed into Venezuela for safety, while the Colombian army has deployed thousands of troops to restore order. The ELN has claimed responsibility for targeting former FARC members, asserting that the individuals killed were active militias rather than civilians, a claim disputed by local human rights advocates. As the situation escalates, the government is reportedly considering declaring a State of Exception to address the crisis. Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts are underway to provide aid to the displaced families in the affected regions.