The humanitarian crisis in Colombia’s Catatumbo region continues to worsen, with the Defensoría del Pueblo – Ombudsman – confirming that 36,000 individuals have been displaced over the past six days as a result of violent confrontations between.

 The National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla and FARC dissidents

The rise in violence has attracted significant attention from the national government as fears increase that this crisis could extend to other areas of the country that are already on the verge of instability. Governors from the departments of Tolima, Arauca, Meta, and Guaviare have voiced serious concerns that large areas of their territories could become the next “Catatumbo” due to the presence of both ELN, FARC dissidents, and other illegal armed groups.

In reaction to the deteriorating situation, Colombia’s Armed Forces have changed to an offensive approach against the ELN in Norte de Santander. The military El Salvador Phone number list has initiated operations aimed at dismantling the group's strongholds along the Venezuelan border, specifically focusing on regions where the ELN has established control over drug trafficking routes.

Defense Minister Iván Velásquez asserted, “We will not permit Catatumbo to turn into a lawless territory. Our armed forces remain dedicated to restoring order and ensuring the safety of civilians in this area.”

The military offensive follows years of criticism regarding the state’s incapacity to tackle the increasing dominance of armed groups in Catatumbo. Yet, worries persist that the offensive might worsen the humanitarian situation as combat operations escalate near civilian areas.

The violence in Catatumbo was hardly unforeseen. In November, the Ombudsman’s Early Warning No. 26 had pointed out a likely rise in violence in municipalities like Ocaña, El Carmen, and Ábrego. The report cautioned of clashes between the ELN and FARC dissidents led by alias “Calarcá,” spurred by competition for control of illicit drug routes. Despite these explicit warnings, the government did not implement preventive actions, leading the crisis to erupt.

“The situation in Catatumbo is a tragic outcome of neglect and inaction,” remarked Ombudsman Carlos Camargo. “The residents of the region are suffering the consequences of the government’s failure to heed early alerts.”

Compounding the severity of the conflict is the involvement of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro

 The permeable border between Catatumbo and Venezuela has historically been a passage for illegal activities, and Maduro’s regime is accused of supporting the ELN as a proxy force to maintain control over these vital routes.

Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe recently El Salvador Phone Number Database denounced Maduro’s actions, contending, “The Venezuelan regime is not just complicit but actively facilitating the ELN’s activities in Colombia. This represents a direct threat to our sovereignty.”

This accusation places President Gustavo Petro in a challenging situation. His administration has sought peace negotiations with the ELN and other armed factions; however, critics claim that Maduro’s support of these groups undermines any possibility of genuine progress. Petro’s recent announcement of a state of interior commotion in Catatumbo seems to be a final attempt to salvage his unsuccessful “total peace” initiative.