Bogot¡: A surge in guerrilla violence in northeastern Colombia that left over 100 people dead and displaced nearly 20,000 others has forced authorities to announce a state of emergency, APA reports citing DW. President Gustavo Petro on Monday declared a “state of internal commotion” and a “state of economic emergency” following the unrest. This measure allows the executive branch to pass certain kinds of legislation without congressional approval for three months.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the conflict in the northeastern Catatumbo region and the southeastern Guaviare jungle stemmed from battles over control of strategic drug trafficking routes between the left-wing rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) and factions from what was once the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In Catatumbo, ELN forces have attacked civilians and rival groups, killing at least 100 people and forcing thousands to flee to nearby towns or neighboring Venezuela.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Colombia reported that the violence in Catatumbo has displaced 18,300 people. This situation has created a pressing humanitarian crisis, with displaced individuals seeking refuge in safer areas within Colombia and across the border in Venezuela. The government’s emergency declaration aims to address the immediate needs of those affected and restore order in the violence-stricken regions.