Explainer 451: The veteran rebels behind Colombia’s violent turf war

Violence has surged in Colombia, leaving many civilians affected and displaced. The National Liberation Army, rooted in the 1960s, grapples with ongoing internal rivalries and the challenges of peace. Meanwhile, fierce turf wars erupt over the lucrative cocaine trade, particularly between ELN and FARC holdouts in the Catatumbo region. This conflict complicates government efforts to establish stability amid rising global demand for drugs. The tension reveals deep-seated issues that continue to plague the nation.