A soldier was killed and another injured in clashes between Colombian military and FARC dissidents in a coca-producing region. This violence follows a new emergency decree from President Petro aimed at restoring order as conflicts escalate, resulting in significant civilian displacement and deaths. The area remains crucial for drug trafficking, contributing to Colombia’s coca production.
On February 20, 2025, a soldier in the Colombian army was killed and another wounded in a conflict with guerrilla dissidents in a coca-producing area. The National Army’s anti-narcotics division stated the soldiers were engaged in stability operations when they encountered dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The cause of the soldier’s death is undetermined, but an improvised explosive device is credited with injuring the other soldier. Two dissidents were also injured, though their condition is not disclosed.
This incident follows a recent emergency decree by President Gustavo Petro aimed at restoring order in the turbulent region bordering Venezuela. This decree permits curfews and other measures that infringe on civil liberties and bypass legislative oversight. The ongoing conflict in the Catatumbo region has resulted in over 60 deaths this year and the displacement of at least 50,000 individuals as violent clashes escalate between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents.
The Catatumbo area faces persistent challenges in curbing violence due to its significance in drug trafficking and illicit trade. With a population of roughly 300,000, it accounts for approximately 15% of Colombia’s coca production. On the same day, another explosive device left a police officer severely injured in Cucuta, which lies near Catatumbo. The city’s police chief, William Quintero, reported that shrapnel from the blast resulted in the officer’s injuries and indicated several related explosion incidents at police facilities and a toll booth.
Investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators of these attacks, with authorities offering a reward exceeding $24,000 for leading to arrests. Quintero noted the increase in violence coincides with significant dates for the ELN, particularly marking the anniversary of Camilo Torres, a notable figure linked to the group.
As Colombia continues to combat violence linked to armed groups, the government’s recent actions and the military’s ongoing operations highlight the complexities of securing peace in a region historically plagued by conflict and drug production.
The clashes between Colombian military forces and guerrilla dissidents illustrate the ongoing struggle in the Catatumbo region, which remains a hotspot for drug trafficking and violence. The rise in hostilities coincides with the Colombian government’s urgent measures to restore order and the significant presence of armed groups like ELN and FARC dissidents. The civilian impact is profound, with thousands displaced and numerous fatalities.
Original Source: apnews.com
