The conflict arises from battles over control of key drug trafficking routes between the left-wing rebel group ELN and the remaining factions of FARC.

A surge in guerrilla violence in northeastern Colombia has resulted in over 100 deaths and the displacement of nearly 20,000 people, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency.

On Monday, President Gustavo Petro declared "a state of internal commotion" in response to the unrest. This move grants the executive branch the power to enact certain legislation without needing congressional approval for the next three months.

The violence, centered in the northeastern Catatumbo region and the southeastern Guaviare jungle, is largely driven by battles between the National Liberation Army (ELN), a left-wing rebel group, and factions that splintered from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). These groups are fighting for control over key drug trafficking routes.

In Catatumbo, ELN forces have targeted both civilians and rival groups, resulting in at least 100 deaths and forcing thousands to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns or neighboring Venezuela. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Colombia reported that 18,300 people have been displaced due to the violence in Catatumbo.

Meanwhile, clashes between competing FARC factions in Guaviare have led to at least 20 deaths. These factions split last year over internal disagreements. One faction is currently engaged in peace talks with the government, while the other continues to resist through armed conflict following a failed ceasefire.

This escalation of violence represents a critical moment for President Petro, who was elected in 2022 with the promise of pursuing a "total peace" policy, focused on de-escalation and dialogue. In response to the recent violence, he has signaled a shift in his approach. "The ELN has chosen the path of war, and that's what they will get," he posted on X, pledging to use military force and deploying thousands of troops to the affected regions.

Colombia's prolonged conflict, fueled by drug trafficking, has led to over 450,000 deaths and displaced millions throughout its six-decade history.