Rival FARC Factions Kill 52 Fighters in Guaviare as Colombia Nears May 31 Election
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 28
Rival FARC Factions Kill 52 Fighters in Guaviare as Colombia Nears May 31 Election
8 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 28
At least 52 guerrilla fighters were killed in Guaviare after rival FARC dissident factions battled for control of a key cocaine-producing and trafficking corridor near Barranco Colorado.
The deadliest clashes in months pitted the Ivan Mordisco faction against the Calarca Cordoba group, which is still in peace talks with President Gustavo Petro's government.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez and the army confirmed fighting and sent troops to protect civilians, but authorities did not verify the 52-death toll reported by one faction.
The violence comes days before Sunday's presidential election, despite a May 20-June 10 suspension of attacks on public forces by the largest FARC dissident group and a separate ELN ceasefire.
Colombia's six-decade conflict, fueled largely by drug trafficking and illegal mining, has killed more than 450,000 people and displaced millions.
Is Colombia's peace policy fueling a deadlier war between the armed groups it aims to pacify?
As factions fight over cocaine and gold, what is the permanent environmental cost to the Amazon?
Can a fair election happen in territories ruled by armed groups instead of the state?