On Monday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a state of internal shock in response to the escalating violence affecting several regions of the country. This measure, supported by the Constitution, will grant the government the authority to take exceptional actions, including mobilizing resources, restricting movement, and implementing emergency economic measures to address the crisis.

Violence in Catatumbo and Other Regions

The most intense clashes are occurring in the Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela, where rebels from the National Liberation Army (ELN) are fighting dissidents from the FARC and attacking the civilian population. These confrontations have resulted in 80 deaths and more than 11,000 displaced persons, according to official reports.

In his message on social media platform X, Petro labeled the ELN's actions as "war crimes" and emphasized that "the ELN has chosen the path of war, and they will have war." The president also suspended peace negotiations with this armed group, highlighting the need for decisive action against the violent groups perpetuating the conflict.

Cúcuta, a border city in Colombia, has become a heartbreaking symbol of the human toll caused by the ongoing armed conflict in the Catatumbo region. Over the past few days, the city has seen a significant influx of displaced people fleeing violence caused by clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Families, many with young children and pets, have arrived exhausted and distressed, seeking refuge from the escalating violence. The city of Cúcuta, located in Norte de Santander, has opened its arms to these victims of conflict. Since the violence erupted, over 80 people have died, and more than 20 others have been injured, according to local authorities.

A New Refuge for the Displaced

The General Santander Stadium, normally used for Sunday football matches, has transformed into an emergency shelter. On January 19, 2025, nearly 2,000 displaced people gathered there, desperately seeking protection as the humanitarian crisis deepens with each passing day.

One of these displaced people, Doña María (a name changed for safety), tearfully shared her pain. She had to leave La Gabarra with her children and grandchildren, leaving behind not only her home but also her livelihood. “In Cúcuta, we have no family, so we came here hoping for help,” she said. What hurt the most was leaving behind her farm with 14 pigs and chickens, her primary source of sustenance.

Even more distressing, Doña María's daughter has not been able to leave La Gabarra due to a lack of security and transportation. "I spoke with her this morning, and she’s still there,” she said, filled with worry.

Desperate for Safety

As the hours pass, more families arrive, looking weary and desperate. Fathers carry their little ones in their arms, while children, despite the adversity, try to find joy in the midst of chaos. Many have been forced to leave everything behind—homes, land, and memories—because of the ongoing violence.

Local Response to the Crisis

In response to the growing crisis, Cúcuta’s municipal government has activated a route to assist displaced persons. Since Saturday, the authorities have helped 2,790 people at the Municipal Palace, working together with organizations like the People’s Defender, the Red Cross, and international groups.

Efforts to provide essential aid such as food, clothing, and medical attention are ongoing, and the city’s mayor, Jorge Acevedo, launched a donation campaign called “United for Catatumbo,” aiming to collect non-perishable food, clothing, shoes, and toiletries.

Health authorities have also declared a yellow alert, focusing their efforts on addressing the medical and humanitarian needs of the displaced individuals.

Fear and Uncertainty

A mother with three young children shared her harrowing experience of fleeing her home in the Castrillón area. She encountered more people on the road heading toward Tibú, but she decided to keep moving toward Cúcuta for safety. “We had no other choice. The fear was stronger than anything we could carry with us. We barely brought any clothes,” she said, holding her children close.

The conflict between the ELN and FARC dissidents, which began on Thursday, has caused thousands of rural residents to flee to urban centers like Cúcuta, Ocaña, and Tibú, and even across the jungle border into Venezuela.

Finding Comfort in Unity

In spite of the pain and loss, many people are finding comfort in supporting one another. An elderly man, observing the crowd, sighed and said, “We’ve left everything behind.”

Cúcuta has become a beacon of hope for those trying to escape the horrors of armed conflict. Even as the crisis continues to unfold, the resilience of these displaced people and the city’s ability to offer refuge is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in times of immense hardship.

Source: Primicias.

A British tourist has passed away following a mugging incident while trekking along the Hill of Three Crosses trail near Medellín. The 34-year-old was allegedly struck on the head with the butt of a gun by the attackers, who stole his possessions. He was discovered severely injured at the base of the Hill of Three Crosses two days after he went missing. The victim was first taken to a nearby health center before being transported to Medellín's General Hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving life-saving surgery, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, just before noon. While other hikers have reported feeling secure while hiking the same trail, they advise against trekking late in the day when the area begins to grow dark.

Hill of Three Crosses

The Hill of Three Crosses trail is a steep but short hike that can be completed in under an hour. The trail begins at the base of the hill and ascends through a mostly open grassy terrain. Once at the top, there is a small square with three crosses that denote the peak.