Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans to declare a state of emergency following intense guerrilla attacks in the country's northeast, which have claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands. On the social media platform X, he announced his intention to invoke a "state of internal commotion," a measure allowing the executive to enact legislation without congressional approval for three months, pending approval by Colombia's constitutional court. This move comes as the government grapples with escalating violence initiated by the National Liberation Army (ELN).
Tensions with the ELN have reached a critical point, as the armed group unleashed a wave of attacks in Catatumbo, killing at least 80 people. The president, a former guerrilla member, attempted peace talks with the ELN in 2022, but negotiations have faltered. Accusing the ELN of adopting methods akin to notorious cartel leader Pablo Escobar, Petro has suspended peace talks and vowed military retaliation. The ELN's attacks have largely targeted civilians suspected of aiding the rival FARC-EMC group, prompting thousands to flee amid fears for their safety.
The United Nations reports around 18,300 people have been displaced amid this violence, creating a potential humanitarian crisis. Many affected are seeking refuge in surrounding urban centers such as Tibu, Ocaña, and Cúcuta. Community members face threats from the ELN, and many, including former FARC members, have been forced to flee. As Sandra Tijaro, a farmer, noted, civilians "end up carrying the burden of this conflict," pointing to the dire impact on rural communities. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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