BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Recent violence has left over 80 individuals dead in northeastern Colombia, primarily in the Catatumbo region, after government peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) collapsed. This tragic incident unfolded over the weekend, forcing thousands to flee in fear of further aggression, as reported by Colombian officials.

Among the deceased were community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven others who had sought to negotiate a peace deal. The violence erupted in multiple towns near the Venezuela border, with reports of at least three individuals involved in the peace talks being kidnapped. According to TIME, Governor William Villamizar of North Santander stated that around twenty individuals sustained injuries during these attacks.

Survivors recount harrowing tales of fleeing their homes amidst chaos. “We were caught in the crossfire,” shared Juan Gutiérrez, who escaped with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibú, leaving behind their pets and essential belongings. “I hope the government remembers us. We are helpless here,” he added, highlighting the desperate situation faced by many displaced residents.

The Colombian army has been actively engaged in rescue operations, saving dozens, including a family with their pet dog, who were evacuated via helicopter. In response to the crisis, Defense Minister Iván Velásquez visited Cucuta, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting civilians and calling for the demobilization of armed groups.

As part of the relief efforts, approximately ten tons of food and hygiene supplies are set to be dispatched to aid around 5,000 affected individuals in communities like Ocaña and Tibú. “Catatumbo needs help,” Villamizar pleaded in a public address. Many families are arriving at shelters with nothing but the clothes on their backs, fleeing through treacherous routes to escape the violence.

The escalation of violence coincides with Colombia’s suspension of peace negotiations with the ELN, a decision that comes after repeated failures to establish a viable peace framework. The Colombian government is demanding a ceasefire and permission to deliver humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered areas. “Displacement is killing us here in the region,” lamented José Trinidad, a municipal official. He called for negotiations to prevent further civilian suffering.

The ELN is currently engaged in a violent struggle for control in the Catatumbo region, clashing with former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). As noted by VOA News, both groups are vying for dominance over strategically important coca leaf plantations in this contested border zone.

Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría stated that authorities aim to create a humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cucuta to facilitate the safe passage for evacuees. As the situation continues to develop, there are fears that without swift intervention, the humanitarian crisis could deepen further.

The ELN has a history of attempts to negotiate peace with the Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro, having sought a settlement five times amid ongoing violence. However, their demands, including recognition as a political entity, remain contentious and problematic.

For more detailed information on this developing situation, check the original articles from TIME and VOA News.