Clashes in Catatumbo: Over 80 Dead and 11,000 Displaced Amid Guerrilla Conflict on the Colombia-Venezuela Border
For four days, violent clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas and a dissident group of the former FARC have terrorized the Catatumbo region in northeastern Colombia, near the Venezuelan border. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 80 deaths and more than 11,000 displaced residents, according to local authorities.
Governor William Villamizar of Norte de Santander confirmed the devastating toll, stating, “We have a very sad result: more than 80 people killed, more than 20 injured.” Iris Marín, head of the Ombudsman’s Office, described the situation as one of the most severe humanitarian crises the region has ever faced.
The violence has forced at least 800 displaced individuals to cross into Venezuela, where humanitarian assistance points have been set up. Venezuelan authorities reported aiding 812 people, including 202 children, as the crisis continues to escalate.
