Over 50 Killed in Colombia Guerrilla Clashes as Presidential Election Nears
BOGOTÁ — May 29, 2026 — At least 52 people have been killed in armed clashes between rival factions of former FARC guerrilla fighters in Colombia’s Amazon region, officials said Thursday, in one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence since the landmark 2016 peace deal.
The fighting erupted days before the country’s presidential election on May 31, casting a shadow over the vote and intensifying debate over the outgoing government’s security strategy.
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Clashes in Guaviare Leave Dozens Dead
Fighting broke out on Monday, May 25, between two dissident groups of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the remote jungles of Guaviare department, a historic rebel stronghold .
According to Willy Rodríguez, mayor of the regional capital San José del Guaviare, residents of the hamlet of Vereda Piripal reported that at least 48 bodies were lying in a heap at the site. Authorities have been unable to reach the area to recover the bodies due to the ongoing security situation and the risk of landmines .
The two factions involved are led by Néstor Gregorio Vera, known as Iván Mordisco—currently Colombia’s most wanted criminal—and Alexander Díaz Mendoza, alias Calarcá Córdoba .
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that troops have been deployed to the area to protect civilians, but adverse weather conditions have prevented air access. Ground forces are advancing to secure the zone .
Death Toll Rises Amid Conflicting Reports
While Mayor Rodríguez initially reported 48 dead, a FARC dissident faction involved in the clashes told Reuters that the death toll had reached at least 52 . Authorities have not been able to independently verify the figures due to the remoteness of the area and ongoing insecurity.
The violence is part of a wider surge in armed conflict across Colombia as smaller guerrilla factions vie for control of jungle territory once held by the FARC, as well as revenue from drug trafficking and illegal mining .
Separate Attack in Catatumbo Region Kills Six
In a separate incident earlier this month, a convoy under official government protection was ambushed in the Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border, killing six people.
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Among the dead was Freiman Velásquez, a leader of a local farmers’ rights organization, along with government bodyguards assigned to protect him. The attack occurred in the municipality of Abrego, Norte de Santander department, an area long dominated by guerrillas .
The assailants, who remain unidentified, used long-range firearms to target the vehicle operated by the National Protection Unit. The National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia’s largest active guerrilla group, operates frequently in the region .
Security Dominates Presidential Campaign
The violence has intensified debate over security policy ahead of Sunday’s presidential election. Outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” strategy, which sought dialogue with armed groups, has failed to stem the bloodshed and has become a central campaign issue .
Left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, who is leading the race to replace Petro, has vowed to continue pursuing dialogue. His right-wing opponents, led by lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, have called for a military crackdown on rebel groups .
Colombia is experiencing its most serious wave of violence since the FARC laid down its arms in 2016, ending a half-century of war with the government . Since then, smaller armed factions have splintered and are now competing for control of lucrative illegal economies.
According to the Electoral Observation Mission, more than one-third of Colombia’s municipalities are at high risk of electoral violence ahead of the first-round vote .
SOURCES / INPUTS
- VEJA: Confronto entre dissidentes das Farc mata ao menos 52 na Colômbia antes de eleição
- vijesti.me: At least 52 people killed in clashes between armed groups in Colombia
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