Colombia Flag
By Tosin Ogunrinde
A clash between rival leftist rebel groups in Colombia’s Amazon region has left 27 people dead, according to military sources. The fighting occurred in the Guaviare department, a strategic area for cocaine production and trafficking.
The groups involved are factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), led by Ivan Mordisco and Calarca Cordoba, who split in April 2024 due to internal disputes. Mordisco’s group has been attacking civilians and security forces, while Cordoba’s faction is engaged in peace talks with President Gustavo Petro’s government.
The conflict is part of Colombia’s decades-long armed struggle, fueled by drug trafficking and illegal mining, which has resulted in over 450,000 deaths and millions displaced. The recent violence highlights the challenges facing Petro’s administration in implementing the 2016 peace deal and negotiating with remaining armed groups.
The Colombian military has deployed additional troops to the area to restore order. The government is working to stabilize the region and protect civilians caught in the crossfire. Local communities are calling for increased security and support.
The FARC’s fragmentation has led to increased violence, as rival factions vie for control of lucrative trafficking routes. The international community is watching the situation closely, given Colombia’s role in global cocaine production.
