BOGOTA:
More than 80 people have been killed in clashes in the northeastern regions of Colombia in three days after negotiations with the rebel organization National Liberation Army (ELN) failed.
According to Al Jazeera, the ELN launched an operation against members of the rival former armed group FARC on Thursday in the northeastern Catitambore region.
William Villamizar, the governor of Norte de Santander, said that civilians were also trapped in the affected areas and that more than 80 people were estimated to have died.
He said that dozens of people have been injured and more than 5,000 people have been displaced during the tension, and that the humanitarian situation in the area is likely to become critical and that assistance is needed for the area.
He said that a large number of citizens, including children, youth, women and the elderly, are using all available means of transportation and even walking to avoid the worst conditions.
According to the report, the death toll on Saturday was reported to be 60, including seven former fighters from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in a mountainous region known for cocaine production along the border with Venezuela.
According to reports issued by government agencies, the dead include community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven people who signed the peace agreement.
According to reports, thousands of people have been displaced from the area and many have taken refuge in mountainous areas and are awaiting government assistance.
The Colombian military said that more than 5,000 military personnel have been dispatched to enforce security in the area.
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