Clashes in Colombia between guerrilla groups leave 27 dead, sources say

Both groups were part of ‌the so-called Central General Staff but separated in April 2024 due to internal disputes. The casualties were all from ‌Vera’s group, according to the two military sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. A leader from ‌Diaz’s group also confirmed the clashes and the 27 deaths to Reuters.

The guerrilla faction led by Diaz ‌is currently engaged ‍in peace talks ⁠with President ​Gustavo Petro, while Vera’s group continues hostilities after the government suspended a bilateral ceasefire. These now-rival ⁠factions had rejected a 2016 peace agreement that ⁠allowed approximately 13,000 FARC members to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into society after disarming.

Colombia’s armed conflict, spanning over six decades and primarily financed ‌by drug trafficking and illegal mining, has resulted in over 450,000 deaths and millions displaced, with Petro’s ‌peace efforts currently stalled.