On January 22, 2025, approximately 80 individuals were reported killed in the Catatumbo region of Colombia amid escalating clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This surge in violence has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of civilians in the area.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the recent violence, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities impacting the civilian population. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, underscored the urgency of protecting civilians in light of the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo has been anticipated, with various authorities, including the Defensoría del Pueblo, warning of risks to civilian safety due to the presence of illegal armed groups. The violence began last Thursday when the ELN initiated attacks against the FARC dissidents, resulting in a significant number of casualties.
As a consequence of the violence, over 32,000 people have reportedly been displaced, with many seeking refuge in shelters across multiple municipalities, including Ocaña, Hacarí, and Cúcuta. The Colombian presidency confirmed that around 22,570 individuals are currently housed in various shelters.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the situation in Catatumbo as indicative of a national failure, labeling it one of the most dramatic events in the country's contemporary history. He noted an increase in ELN activity in the region, questioning the lack of intelligence available to military and police authorities regarding this shift.
While the government has focused on distributing humanitarian aid and rescuing targeted social leaders, President Petro announced the suspension of peace talks with the ELN and declared a state of internal commotion along with an economic emergency, measures that have drawn scrutiny regarding their effectiveness.