The village of Tres Bocas in Colombia’s Catatumbo region has been left deserted as a result of escalating clashes between rival rebel groups. At least 80 people have been killed in the recent wave of violence, which has prompted thousands of residents to flee their homes and seek refuge across the border in Venezuela.
The Catatumbo region, known for its coca cultivation, has long been a hotspot for armed conflict involving both insurgent groups and criminal organizations. The latest surge in violence, attributed to turf wars over control of drug trafficking routes, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the area. With families displaced and fearing for their safety, many have crossed into Venezuela, where they face an uncertain future.
The situation highlights the broader challenges of drug-related violence in the region, as well as the ongoing displacement crisis affecting Colombia’s border communities. International aid agencies have raised alarms over the dire conditions faced by both Colombian refugees and the local population in Venezuela, calling for immediate humanitarian support.
Picture from Freepik
