Dozens killed in clashes between armed factions in Colombian jungle
Clashes between two guerrilla groups that split from the FARC have left around 50 dead in the Colombian Amazon, where they are fighting over territory and illicit activities.
Dozens killed in clashes between armed factions in Colombian jungle
Around 50 individuals have died in armed clashes between two guerrilla groups in Colombia's Amazon region, according to reports from Aftonbladet.
Both factions emerged as breakaway groups from the FARC following the signing of a peace agreement with the Bogotá government in 2016. Since then they have operated outside the peace process.
During Thursday afternoon, the mayor Willy Rodriguez of San José del Guaviare confirmed the discovery of a large number of bodies in the area. According to his comments to news agency AFP, the remains are piled up and need to be collected.
The dispute between these groups is driven by a desire to control specific geographic areas, as well as to take control of drug trafficking and illegal mining operations that are rife in the region.
These disturbances are occurring in a context of growing tension just days before the presidential election, scheduled for 31 May. The 2016 treaty between the FARC and the Colombian state triggered the emergence of multiple dissident cells that chose to continue the struggle.
Source: Aftonbladet