Over 80 dead in 3 days after guerrilla attack in Colombia

colombia - A bloody attack by ELN guerrilla group in northeastern Colombia resulted in over 80 deaths in three days.

Guerrilla Attack in Colombia

The left-wing ELN guerrilla group carried out a violent attack on rival fighters and civilians in northeastern Colombia, resulting in over 80 deaths in three days, according to the governor of Norte de Santander department. ELN attacked civilians and dissidents of the FARC guerrilla group, who continued fighting after disarming in 2017, said Governor William Villamizar. Approximately 5000 people have been displaced due to the violence, creating an alarming humanitarian situation. The fatalities included fighters from both sides as well as civilians. The army stated that over 5000 soldiers have been deployed to the region to enhance security. The FARC disarmed under a 2017 peace agreement after over half a century of civil war. Despite the agreement, sporadic conflicts still occur involving left-wing guerrilla fighters, including ex-FARC members and ELN, right-wing paramilitaries, and drug cartels. These conflicts often revolve around resources and smuggling routes. Recently, ELN fighters clashed with members of the Gulf Clan, the largest drug cartel in Colombia.