Description: The Colombian government has deployed more than 5,000 soldiers in an attempt to suffocate the armed conflict between the ELN and dissidents from FARC in the town of Catatumbo. The armed conflict enflamed recently as both organizations fight over the untampered access to Colombia’s coca plant rich region of Catatumbo. Since the increased level of fighting began more than 20,000 Colombians have been internally displaced or sought shelter in neighboring Venezuela.
Impact: With the deployment of special forces in the region, the Colombian government would attempt to severely cripple the military capabilities of both organizations. ELN has some 6,000 fighters so unless an all-out military operation is approved, the armed conflict is looking to continue and worsen the already existing humanitarian crisis in the country. The Colombian government need to be decisive and not implement half – measures such as the deployment of special forces but to seek possible international support or approve a larger military operation. The problem of narcoterrorism in the form of the ELN and FARC could significantly escalate and further destabilize Colombia.