Colombia’s government is reactivating arrest orders for the top leadership of the nation’s largest rebel group

The clashes between rival guerrilla groups have left 80 dead as Colombia braces for cutbacks in U.S. foreign aid under President Trump.

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's attorney general's office on Wednesday reissued arrest warrants for leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, who had been participating in peace talks, as forced displacement caused by ELN attacks rose to 32,000 people.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro looks on as he is welcomed with military honors by Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti's Transition Council, upon his arrival for an official visit where they will have a binational council of ministers, in Jacmel, Haiti January 22, 2025. REUTERS/Marckinson Pierre

More than 8,000 civilians fled the violence, with many seeking shelter in government facilities or hiding in the mountains.

Francisco de Miranda, considered to be the precursor of Venezuela’s independence, stitched the country’s first flag in Jacmel and set sail from the port city. A decade later, South American liberator Simón Bolívar launched his successful movement from Jacmel’s shores.

Known as Los Llanos, this sprawling plains district harbors fascinating wildlife like the anaconda, giant anteater and jaguar.

At least 80 people were killed in northeast Colombia following failed attempts at peace talks with the National Liberation Army, a Colombian official said.

Colombia on Wednesday reinstated arrest warrants for dozens of guerrilla commanders blamed for armed attacks that displaced 32,000 people and sparked the country's most serious security crisis in years.

The government and United Nations have estimated that armed rebellion has led to the deaths of 80 people while dozens have been kidnapped and tens of thousands have been displaced

Fierce clashes between two guerrilla groups in the northwestern region of Catatumbo, Colombia, on Jan. 16 have not only resulted in at least 80 people dead, but also generated a broad humanitarian crisis.