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The Foreign Desk
Explainer 451: The veteran rebels behind Colombia’s violent turf war
Jan 22, 2025
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.
07:22
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Quick takeaways
- Recent violence in Colombia, resulting in over 100 deaths, underscores the fragility of the long-standing peace process amidst territorial disputes.
- The conflict primarily involves the ELN and a FARC faction vying for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes, driven by the cocaine trade.
Deep dives
Ongoing Violence and Displacement in Colombia
Colombia is experiencing a resurgence of violence, with recent clashes resulting in at least 100 deaths and tens of thousands displaced. The government's declaration of a state of internal commotion underscores the severity of the situation. President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla fighter, has attributed the escalated conflict to groups like the Ejercito de Liberación Nacional (ELN), who have opted for armed confrontation rather than pursuing peace. This turmoil highlights the fragility of the peace process initiated years ago, which aimed to resolve the nation's long-standing civil war and mitigate the impact of narco gangs.
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