TRES BOCAS, Colombia (AP) – The Colombian border town of Tres Bocas has become a ghost town as residents flee to neighboring Venezuela to escape a new wave of violence in the Catatumbo region of Colombia that remains. at least 80 people dead and thousands displaced.
According to the United Nations, more than 18,000 people have fled the northeastern region during fighting between the National Liberation Army or ELN, and a rival group known as the FARC-EMC tightens. Of those who fled, around 1,000 have sought refuge in Venezuela.
“Many of them are afraid of the firefights that have broken out” in rural areas, said Jaime Botero, president of a community association in the town of Tibu, which is about 10 km (6 miles ) west of Tres Bocas.
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Located on Colombia's border with Venezuela, the Catatumbo region has about 300,000 inhabitants and produces 15% of Colombia's coca crop.
The FARC-EMC and the ELN have long fought for control of the area and the lucrative drug-trafficking routes, but had recently relaxed.
But violence escalated last week as members of the ELN attacked civilians, accusing them of collaborating with the FARC-EMC, with ELN rebels reportedly dragging people out of their homes and firing them at close range.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro peace talks stalled by the ELN on Friday, accusing the rebels of committing war crimes. Monday night, Petro said he will issue an emergency order which would allow him to pass legislation related to the conflict without the consent of Congress.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing of civilians, including ex-combatants who signed the 2016 peace accord, in the violence, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. And he is concerned about the reported displacement of thousands of civilians.
“The secretary-general calls for an immediate end to acts of violence against the civilian population and for unhindered humanitarian access,” Haq said late Tuesday.
The United Nations urged the ELN and other armed groups in the Catatumbo region to respect civilian rights. The UN said two human rights defenders were killed last week.
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Rueda reported from Bogota, Colombia.
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Continue AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
