Colombia, Jan 18, (V7N) – A surge in violence near Colombia's border with Venezuela has left at least 39 people dead, prompting the government to halt peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN).

President Gustavo Petro suspended the fragile peace talks, accusing the ELN of committing "war crimes" amid the escalating conflict.

The violence involved ELN attacks on rival leftist dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and clashes with the right-wing paramilitary group, Clan del Golfo. In North Santander, ELN fighters killed at least 30 people and injured 20 in attacks across multiple villages. In Bolivar, nine people died in confrontations with Clan del Golfo.

Reports indicate ELN militants went door-to-door searching for suspected FARC dissidents. Coca farmer Jose del Carmen Abril shared that armed fighters repeatedly came to his home, later threatening his community to hand him over dead.

North Santander Governor William Villamizar attributed the violence to territorial disputes over the lucrative cocaine trade, as armed groups have long fought for control of coca plantations along the Colombia-Venezuela border.

Public Defender Iris Marin reported that dozens of families had been displaced, and over 20 individuals remain missing.

The ELN, one of Colombia's largest remaining armed groups, claims leftist and nationalist motives but is deeply involved in drug trafficking and organized crime.

In response, the military deployed troops to restore order, evacuating the wounded by helicopter. However, the violence presents a significant challenge to Colombia's security forces and President Petro’s "Total Peace" policy, aimed at negotiating with armed groups.

Petro justified suspending talks, citing the ELN's clear unwillingness to pursue peace. Previous negotiations also stalled after a deadly ELN attack on a military base last year.

Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group warned that the current violence is more than isolated clashes, describing it as an ongoing military campaign by the ELN to assert territorial control.

The ELN’s alliance with Venezuela, under President Nicolás Maduro, could further complicate Colombia's efforts. Many Latin American countries have rejected Maduro's disputed election victory, straining diplomatic ties.

"Venezuela is a crucial supporter of the ELN," Dickinson noted, adding that Caracas disapproves of Colombia’s diplomatic stance.

END/WD/RH/