Colombia: ELN-EPL clashes in Catatumbo March 14 /update 1

Event

Clashes broke out between members of the criminal paramilitary group EPL (Ejército Popular de Liberación) and the guerrilla group ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) in the Catatumbo area of Norte de Santander department early on Wednesday, March 14. The fighting, which began around 05:45 (local time) in the San Pablo area of Teorama municipality, wounded two civilians, who were caught in the crossfire.  

Context

A turf war between the EPL and the ELN for control of Catatumbo has led to a major deterioration of security conditions in the region in recent months. Tensions between the two groups continue to mount and the situation is believed by some to be “on the brink of war.”

Catatumbo is located in the northeast of Norte de Santander and comprises the following 11 municipalities: Ábrego, Convención, El Carmen, El Tarra, Hacarí, La Playa, Ocaña, San Calixto, Sardinata, Teorama, and Tibú.

Advice

Individuals in Norte de Santander are advised to keep abreast of the situation and postpone nonessential travel to the Catatumbo sub-region until further notice. On a more general note, due to the presence of a number of armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, including much of Norte de Santander department and other areas along the Venezuelan border.