Guerrilla violence in northeastern and southeastern Colombia has led to over 100 deaths and the displacement of almost 20,000 people. President Gustavo Petro declared a state of internal commotion and a state of economic emergency, granting the executive branch temporary legislative powers.
The violence stems from clashes between the ELN and factions of the former FARC rebels, primarily over control of drug trafficking routes. In Catatumbo, ELN attacks have displaced 18,300 people. Meanwhile, fighting between rival FARC factions in Guaviare has resulted in additional deaths. One FARC faction is engaged in peace talks, while another continues armed resistance.
President Petro's declaration marks a shift from his initial "total peace" policy. He has vowed a military response, deploying troops to affected areas, and publicly stated that the ELN's choice of war will be met with war. Colombia's long-running conflict, fueled by drug trafficking, has resulted in a devastating death toll and displacement of millions.
A surge in guerrilla violence in northeastern Colombia that left over 100 people dead and displaced nearly 20,000 others has forced authorities to announce a state of emergency.
President Gustavo Petro on Monday declared a "state of internal commotion" and a "state of economic emergency" following the unrest.
This measure allows the executive branch to pass certain kinds of legislation without congressional approval for three months.
The conflict in the northeastern Catatumbo region and the southeastern Guaviare jungle stemmed from battles over control of strategic drug trafficking routes between the left-wing rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) and factions from what was once the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
In Catatumbo, ELN forces have attacked civilians and rival groups, killing at least 100 people and forcing thousands to flee to nearby towns or neighboring Venezuela.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Colombia, the violence in Catatumbo has displaced 18,300 people.
Meanwhile, clashes between rival FARC factions in Guaviare have resulted in at least 20 deaths.
The rival factions split last year due to internal differences. Currently, one of the factions is engaging in peace talks with the government while the other continuing armed resistance after a failed ceasefire.
The latest surge in violence is a turning point for President Petro, who was elected on the promise of a policy of "total peace" in 2022 involving deescalation and dialogue.
He has already signaled a shift in policy is coming.
"The ELN has chosen the path of war, and that's what they will get," Petro posted on X.
He vowed to respond with military force, deploying thousands of troops to affected regions.
Colombia's six-decade conflict, funded by drug trafficking, has killed over 450,000 people and displaced millions.
ss/nm (AP, AFP, Reuters)
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