Colombia's Catatumbo region remains engulfed in turmoil as clashes between guerrilla fighters and paramilitary groups continue to destabilize the area. The violence, which intensified in January 2025, has reportedly displaced over 50,000 residents and claimed at least 100 lives, according to preliminary assessments. Families now face prolonged uncertainty, with many sheltering in temporary accommodations or fleeing to neighboring districts.
Local sources describe a deteriorating humanitarian situation, with limited access to food, healthcare, and sanitation. "We left everything behind – our crops, our homes – just to stay alive," said one displaced resident interviewed by CGTN's Michelle Begue. Analysts attribute the resurgence of violence to longstanding territorial disputes and competition over illicit trade routes.
While Colombian authorities have deployed additional security forces, community leaders argue that sustainable solutions require addressing systemic rural inequality and reintegration opportunities for former combatants. The crisis underscores broader challenges in implementing peace agreements across conflict-prone regions.
