FARC and ELN Guerrillas Battle for Coca Territory in Catatumbo, Enforcing Curfews Along Colombia's Border
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
FARC and ELN Guerrillas Battle for Coca Territory in Catatumbo, Enforcing Curfews Along Colombia's Border
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 15
Summary
Catatumbo has become one of Colombia’s deadliest conflict zones, with FARC dissidents and ELN fighters battling for control of coca-growing territory near the Venezuelan border.
Guerrillas have pushed beyond state control in parts of the region, manning checkpoints, inspecting vehicles, imposing curfews and speed limits, and meting out rough punishment for minor crimes.
Police largely remain confined to fortified stations and move only in heavily armed patrols, underscoring how little authority the government holds deeper in the jungle.
Coca cultivation sits at the center of the fighting, with residents hanging white flags outside their homes to avoid crossfire in a war locals describe as relentless and indiscriminate.