Clashes Displace Over 250 Colombians in Catatumbo
On Thursday, violent confrontations between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) resulted in the forced displacement of more than 250 residents in the Catatumbo region, coinciding with Christmas Day.
Since January, both groups have been embroiled in a fierce struggle for territorial dominance in Catatumbo, a significant area for coca leaf production, the key ingredient in cocaine. Reports suggest that the conflict escalated when the ELN violated a year-long non-aggression agreement with the FARC’s 33rd Front.
This conflict has reportedly continued until 2025, leading to the dislocation of nearly 74,000 people in Norte de Santander alone. As of November 30, over 101,000 individuals across Colombia have been uprooted due to armed confrontations, alongside an additional 110,375 people confined in various regions, totaling more than 211,000 affected, according to the Colombian Ombudsman’s Office.
News outlets like El Colombiano highlighted that, following renewed violence around 3:00 a.m. on Christmas Day, additional residents were forced to evacuate to the town of Tib. Civilians found themselves in peril as they tried to escape the intense fighting to preserve their safety.
Social media and news platforms shared videos capturing the chaos. One clip showed local families seeking refuge in a school, with voices pleading about the presence of children nearby. It’s estimated that approximately 7,000 families have been evacuated in rural areas, taking shelter in schools and community buildings due to the ongoing threat of violence.
Thibou Mayor Richard Claro acknowledged the dire circumstances, noting that some families managed to reach safety. Later, Colombian ombudsperson Iris Marin Ortiz publicly urged both the ELN and FARC to halt their hostilities, facilitate the evacuation of the injured, and allow medical aid to enter the conflict-stricken region.
In a recent statement, the Office of the Ombudsman reported a troubling rise in forced displacements throughout Colombia compared to the previous year. They described the situation as reflective of an ongoing humanitarian crisis, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Throughout the first eleven months of 2025, authorities indicated there were 116 evacuations and 93 confinement incidents in Norte de Santander, with the highest levels of displacement occurring in Nariño and Cauca. Chocó, Cauca, and Huila have recorded notable cases of severe confinement this year.
Reacting to these developments, the Office of the Ombudsman stressed the need for urgent implementation of targeted prevention strategies in regions facing high rates of displacement and confinement, emphasizing the necessity of a strong state presence.
Bishop Israel Bravo, the Bishop of the Diocese of Tib, mentioned that his church had established a local evacuation center for the displaced families. He pointed out the desperate conditions many people faced, arriving with little more than the clothes they were wearing and some belongings. The shelter aims to provide food, basic necessities, and a place to rest, showcasing the community’s effort to support those affected.
