Colombia Declares State of Internal Shock Amid Growing Violence

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.