Colombia: Clashes between rival guerrilla groups kill at least 24 people in Arauca Department Jan. 1-2, risk displacing some 2,000 others

Event

Major fighting between a faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) and the National Liberation Army (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, ELN) left at least 24 people dead in Arauca Department Jan. 1-2. The clashes reportedly took place in the municipalities of Arauquita, Fortul, Saravena, and Tame. The fighting has also put some 2,000 others at risk of displacement.

Context

While Arauca has long been a stronghold of the ELN, in recent years, dissident factions of the FARC have sought to seize control of territory along the border of Arauca and the Venezuelan state of Apure. Both the ELN and the FARC use the area to engage in criminal activities, such as extorting businesses and trafficking cocaine.