Colombia – Clashes between the FARC and ELN

On 22 November 2024, dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) killed a National Liberation Army (ELN) fighter in the Arauca Department.  A UAV similar in appearance to the DJI Mavic 3 was recovered alongside a DJI RC controller, a vehicle battery charger and a significant amount of ammunition.

Additionally, on 23 November 2024, a number of IEDs, referred to as ‘tatucos’ were used to target the Los Colonizadores Airport in Saravena, Arauca Department. A day later, the ELN targeted the La Holanda military base in Puerto Jordan with IEDs, resulting in one casualty and significant damage.

On 25 October 2024, a humanitarian alert was issued following clashes between illegal armed groups which resulted in the displacement of many inhabitants near the border between the Arauca and Casanare Departments. The Global Protection Cluster, Colombia, stated that two mass displacements occurred in the first half of 2024. Arauca Department is one of the regions most heavily affected by clashes in Colombia, with a total of 348 people having been displaced from the villages of Normandia, El Progreso and El Paisaje.

• Published by Molly