At least 80 deaths in Colombia after failed peace talks

At least 80 deaths in Colombia after failed peace talks

Bogotá, Colombia - Last weekend more than 80 people were killed in northeastern Colombia after the attempts at government, peace talks with the national liberation army (eln) have failed. According to William Villamizar, the governor of Nord-Santander, where many of the killings took place, 20 other people were violated in the violent arguments. This violence has forced thousands to flee, while the Colombian army tried to evacuate people on Sunday.

The extent of violence

The attacks occurred in several cities in the Catatumbo region, near the border with Venezuela, with at least three people who were involved in the peace talks. Many of the victims are identity carriers such as the community manager Carmelo Guerrero and seven other people who tried to sign a peace treaty, as can be seen from a report by a state ombudsman.

escape and despair

thousands of people flee from the region, some hide in the nearby lush mountains or seek help in state accommodations. Juan Gutiérrez, who fled into a temporary protected area in Tibú with his family, reported: "We were caught in the crossfire. We had no time to pack our things. I hope the government remembers us."

help for those affected

The Colombian army saved dozens of people on Sunday, including a family and their dog. The owner held a package with cold water against the animal's chest to keep it cool with the helicopter during evacuation. Defense Minister Iván Velásquez traveled to the northeastern city of Cúcuta to prevent numerous security meetings and request armed groups for demobilization. "The top priority is to save lives and to ensure the security of the communities," he said.

Humanitarian measures in the region

The authorities also prepared the shipping of 10 tons of food and hygiene articles for around 5,000 people in the communities of Ocaña and Tibú, most of which have fled from violence. "Catatumbo needs help," emphasized Villamizar in a public speech. "Young people, whole families come here without everything, in trucks, garbage vehicles, motorcycles or on foot so as not to become the victim of this conflict."

Stop the peace talks

The attack occurred after Colombia had exposed the peace talks with the eln on Friday, this is the second time within a few year. The Colombian government asks the eln to hire all attacks and enable the authorities to access the region to provide humanitarian aid. "The displacement here in the region calls for their toll," said José Trinidad, a local official of the city of Convención in North Sant Anzer. "We are afraid that the crisis will tighten."

conflicts in Catatumbo

The elns are increasingly becoming conflict with former members of the revolutionary armed forces (FARC) (FARC), a guerrilla group that was dissolved in 2016 after a peace treaty with the Colombian government. Both groups fight for control over a strategically important border region in which Koka plantations exist. In an explanation on Saturday, the eln former Farc members warned that there would be "no other way out than the armed argument" if they would continue to attack the population.

helpers in use

General Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría said on Saturday that the authorities strengthen a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to ensure the safe passage of the displaced people. He added that special urban troops were sent to the municipalities, "where there is risks and a lot of fear."

The situation of the eln and their demands

The eln tried five times to negotiate a peace treaty with the government of President Gustavo Petro, with the talks repeatedly failing due to acts of violence. The demands of the ELN include recognition as a political rebel group, which is classified as risky by critics.