At least 27 people were killed in violent clashes between two leftist factions that broke out from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the Amazon region of southern Colombia, official military sources confirmed to AFP on Sunday. These bloody events highlight once again the complex security challenges facing the country despite ongoing peace efforts.
Details of the field conflict in Guaviare
According to field reports, fierce fighting is raging in Guaviare province, a strategic area located in the heart of the dense Amazon rainforest. The intense clashes are between a rebel group led by Iván Mordisco, one of Colombia's most wanted men, and another group headed by a commander known by his nom de guerre "Calarca." Videos seen by the army show bodies in combat fatigues lying on dirt roads, indicating the ferocity of the confrontations, which are primarily aimed at establishing territorial control and eliminating the opposing side.
Historical background: The legacy of the FARC and the split
The roots of this renewed conflict can be traced back to the period following the signing of the historic 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrillas, which ended an armed conflict that had lasted for more than five decades and left millions dead and displaced. Despite the demobilization of thousands of fighters and their reintegration into civilian life, some hardline factions refused to lay down their arms, forming what are known as "dissidents." These fighters either rejected the terms of the agreement or later took up arms again, leading to the fragmentation of the movement into rival groups that clash with each other and with the state for control.
Economic motives: the struggle for resources and influence
The conflict between these groups is not limited to political ideology; it is driven by purely economic ambitions related to the shadow economy. The factions fight fiercely to control vital drug trafficking routes that run through the dense jungles to international markets, as well as illegal mining sites and extortion operations that generate enormous profits to finance their activities. The Amazon region is an ideal environment for these activities due to its difficult terrain and weak government presence, making it an open arena for settling scores.
Challenges facing the policy of “comprehensive peace”
This infighting represents a significant blow to the efforts of leftist President Gustavo Petro, who has adopted a policy of “comprehensive peace” and seeks to negotiate with all armed groups to end the cycle of violence. Mordisco had previously engaged in peace talks before withdrawing in 2014, intensifying its attacks against security forces and civilians, while the Calarca group continues to participate in intermittent negotiations. Observers emphasize that the continuation of these clashes complicates the political and security landscape in Colombia and threatens the stability of local communities and indigenous populations who find themselves caught in the crossfire between the warring factions.
