Attacks by rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) fighters in northeast Colombia have forced thousands of people to flee the area following failed attempts to hold peace talks with the rebel ELN. The ELN launched an assault in the northeastern Catatumbo region last Thursday on a rival group composed of ex-members of the now-defunct FARC armed group. It was estimated that “more than 80 people have lost their lives,” said Governor William Villamizar of the Norte de Santander department that includes Catatumbo. Thousands of people are fleeing the area, with some hiding in the nearby lush mountains or seeking help at government shelters.

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Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/19/dozens-killed-in-northeast-colombia-as-eln-peace-talks-fail