Colombia: Fighting among armed groups displaces over 400 in Nariño

Event

In early July, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that 432 people had been displaced in Nariño department due to fighting between armed groups. According to the organization, the fighting has primarily involved two dissident wings of the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia), the Frente Oliver Sinisterra (FOS) and the Gente del Común. Local sources report that the fighting has been concentrated around the Roberto Payan area of Nariño department. Further clashes between armed groups, as well as between armed groups and security forces, are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Various armed groups are active in Nariño department, a major cocaine growing and transit point, including dissident members of the now-demobilized FARC, a dozen other organized crime groups (BACRIM), in addition to the still-active ELN guerrilla group (Ejército de Liberación Nacional). According to the UN, there are more than 23,000 hectares (57,000 acres) of coca fields in Tumaco alone, believed to be responsible for 16 percent of all of Colombia's coca cultivation. Numerous attacks targeting electricity and oil infrastructure have also taken place in recent months in the area, along with high-profile kidnappings.

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, and the ELN guerilla group in addition to ex-FARC dissidents - some Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country, including parts of Nariño.