Colombian violence escalates with ELN attacks on dissidents

In Catatumbo, Colombia, violence erupted on January 16th, 2025, when the National Liberation Army (ELN), the nation's oldest active guerrilla group, initiated attacks on dissidents from the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This outbreak of violence has led to a significant rise in fatalities, with local estimates putting the death toll in the hundreds, while official figures indicate at least 80 confirmed deaths. The unrest in this area is part of a broader pattern of humanitarian crises and instability that have plagued Colombia for decades. In response to the escalating violence, the Colombian government has declared a “state of internal commotion.” This declaration showcases the severity of the situation and the government's urgent need to restore order in regions facing rampant violence and humanitarian crises. The government’s efforts are particularly focused on the border area with Venezuela, where armed groups often operate due to the porous nature of the border and the resultant lawlessness. The situation in Catatumbo reflects a significant and deep-rooted conflict in Colombia, centered around power struggles between various armed groups following the peace agreement with FARC, which dissolved in 2016. While the government aimed for peace and reintegration of former FARC members into society, the void left by their departure allowed other groups, particularly the ELN, to expand their influence and control over lucrative drug trafficking routes. Such dynamics have been exacerbated by social and economic issues, as disenfranchised communities often find themselves caught in the crossfire of these conflicts. As violence continues to plague the region, local populations face dire circumstances, with reports of displacements and worsening humanitarian conditions. The government's inability to provide adequate security and support to these areas only deepens the crisis, leaving communities vulnerable to exploitation by armed groups who promise protection but perpetuate violence. The humanitarian crisis in Colombia is one of the worst in decades, resulting in calls for international attention and assistance in addressing the root causes of the violence and its effects on civilians.