2025 Catatumbo clashes

{{main|Catatumbo campaign}}

The Catatumbo campaign has been an ongoing period of strategic violence between militia faction groups in the region since January 2018 and a part of the war on drugs;{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/08/08/war-catatumbo/abuses-armed-groups-against-civilians-including-venezuelan-exiles|title=The War in Catatumbo {{!}} Abuses by Armed Groups Against Civilians Including Venezuelan Exiles in Northeastern Colombia|date=2019-08-08|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en|access-date=2019-08-14|archive-date=2019-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910193709/https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/08/08/war-catatumbo/abuses-armed-groups-against-civilians-including-venezuelan-exiles|url-status=live}} it was developed after a 2016 peace agreement between the country's government (under the presidency of Juan Manuel Santos) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as an attempt to end the Colombian conflict.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-38096179 |title=Colombia signs new peace deal with Farc |date=24 November 2016 |work=BBC News}} The existence of the campaign was officially announced in August 2019 after a Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigation. Colombian media reports that the campaign has directly affected an estimated 145,000 people,{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2018 |title=Los tres jefes guerrilleros que generan zozobra en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/otras-ciudades/los-jefes-guerrilleros-que-estan-generando-violencia-en-el-catatumbo-y-pelean-por-rutas-de-drogas-208102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814204551/https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/otras-ciudades/los-jefes-guerrilleros-que-estan-generando-violencia-en-el-catatumbo-y-pelean-por-rutas-de-drogas-208102 |archive-date=August 14, 2019 |access-date=August 14, 2019 |website=El Tiempo |language=es}} with HRW estimating this at 300,000.{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2019 |title=Colombia's new drug trafficking war puts civilians in danger, HRW warns |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190809-civilians-danger-colombia-fighting-trafficking-catatumbo-armed-gangs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814110316/https://www.france24.com/en/20190809-civilians-danger-colombia-fighting-trafficking-catatumbo-armed-gangs |archive-date=August 14, 2019 |access-date=August 15, 2019 |website=France 24 |language=en |agency=Reuters}}

The initial assaults were perpetrated by the ELN against the 33rd Front of the FARC dissidents, who remained in combat after the suspension of its operations as an armed group. Governor of Norte de Santander William Villamizar Laguado said that civilians were captured, about two dozen people had been injured, some 20,000 displaced in the outbreak of violence, and estimated that more than 80 people were killed. He described the resulting humanitarian situation as "alarming". According to a government report, among the victims are community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven people who sought to sign a peace deal.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2025 |title=At least 80 people killed in northeast Colombia as ELN peace talks fail |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/19/dozens-killed-in-northeast-colombia-as-eln-peace-talks-fail |publisher=Al Jazeera English |language=en}} Three people engaged in peace talks were reportedly kidnapped.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-20 |title=At least 80 people killed in northeast Colombia as peace talks fail, official says |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/officials-60-people-killed-northeast-135903690.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}} ELN militants were allegedly killing civilians they accused of being collaborators of the FARC dissidents, kidnapping people from their homes and shooting them in the streets.{{Cite web |last=Rueda |first=Manuel |date=January 21, 2025 |title=Colombia's president will declare an emergency over deadly ELN attacks in the northeast |url=https://www.wjtv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-colombias-president-will-declare-an-emergency-over-deadly-eln-attacks-in-the-northeast/ |website=WJTV 12}} Government forces were able to rescue dozens of civilians and evacuated them from the affected areas.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-19 |title=At least 80 dead, several kidnapped in Colombia after failed peace talks, official says |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kidnapped-colombia-peace-talks-fail-rebel-national-liberation-army/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US}} On 17 January Gustavo Petro, suspended the ongoing peace talks with the ELN and demanded that the ELN ceases all attacks and allow authorities to enter the region and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.{{Cite news|date=2025-01-19|title=At least 80 people killed in northeast Colombia as peace talks fail|url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/americas/colombia-80-killed-peace-talks-fail-intl-latam/index.html|access-date=2025-01-21|publisher=CNN|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombias-president-suspends-peace-talks-with-eln-rebels-2025-01-17/|title=Colombia's president suspends peace talks with ELN rebels|access-date=2025-01-21|date=2025-01-17|publisher=Reuters|language=en}} On 18 January, the mayor of Ocaña prepared the city stadium to receive the displaced and asked the national government to declare a state of emergency.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-21 |author=Reyes Espinosa |date=2025-01-18 |first=Daniel Estaban |publisher=Infobae |title=Alcalde de Ocaña habla sobre la conmoción interior del Catatumbo: "Puede ser la salida inmediata" |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/18/alcalde-de-ocana-habla-sobre-la-conmocion-interior-del-catatumbo-puede-ser-la-salida-inmediata/}} On 20 January, the death toll surpassed 100 following continued outbreaks of violence.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-20 |title=Colombia vows 'war' as guerrilla violence kills 100 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250120-colombia-troops-try-to-contain-guerrilla-violence-that-has-killed-100 |access-date=2025-01-20 |publisher=France 24 |language=en}}

On 21 January, the government officially declared a state of internal commotion and launched a military offensive against ELN guerrillas.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-21 |title=Colombia vows 'war' against left-wing guerrillas as violence kills more than 100 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20250121-colombia-war-guerrilla-violence |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=France 24 |language=en}} That same day, 14 members of the FARC 33rd front surrendered to the National Army of Colombia to avoid combat in El Tarra and Tibú municipalities of Norte de Santander, Among those who surrendered was a minor. Their weaponry was confiscated. Military forces continued offensive operations in the region.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bluradio.com/nacion/14-disidentes-de-las-farc-se-entregaron-en-medio-de-guerra-contra-eln-en-catatumbo-rg10|title=14 disidentes de las Farc se entregaron en medio de guerra contra ELN en Catatumbo|first=Felipe|last=García|date=January 21, 2025|website=Blu Radio}} On 22 January, the Attorney General reactivated arrest warrants for 31 ELN leaders, including some who had represented the ELN during peace talks.{{Cite web |date=22 January 2025 |title=Fiscalía reactivó órdenes de captura contra cúpula del ELN por crisis en Catatumbo |url=https://www.elpais.com.co/judicial/fiscalia-reactivo-ordenes-de-captura-contra-cupula-del-eln-por-ola-de-violencia-en-el-catatumbo-2200.html |access-date=22 January 2025 |website=El País |language=es}} A $700,000-reward was later offered for information leading to the capture of four ELN leaders: Nicolás Rodríguez Bautista, Eliecer Herlinto Chamorro, Gustavo Aníbal Giraldo Quinchía and Israel Ramírez Pineda.{{Cite web |date=25 January 2025 |title=Colombia offers $700,000 reward for information on ELN rebel leaders |url=https://apnews.com/article/colombia-petro-coca-eln-farc-trafficking-catatumbo-acaab8472dede0cd5ea40318ec2dc644 |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}} An emergency decree came into effect in the region, to last 270 days.{{Cite web |last=Suarez |first=Astrid |date=2025-01-20 |title=Colombia president decrees emergency powers to restore order in coca region wracked by rebel combat |url=https://apnews.com/article/colombia-president-decree-powers-coca-region-c750a090635dff5ba6231c99e52ee919 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=AP News}}

On 23 January, President Gustavo Petro accused Gustavo Aníbal Giraldo, alias «Pablito», of being the mastermind behind the attacks.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-25 |date=2025-01-24 |first=Brian Ferney Valencia |last=Ríos |title=¿Quién es alias Pablito, el señalado por Petro como responsable de la violencia en el Catatumbo? |url=https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/el-es-alias-pablito-senalado-por-petro-como-responsable-de-escalada-terrorista-en-catatumbo-JD26437385 |website=El Colombiano}}{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-25 |date=2025-01-24 |first=Por Santiago Cifuentes |last=Quintero |title=Él es alias Pablito, el cabecilla del ELN que Gustavo Petro culpa por la sangrienta guerra en el Catatumbo y que se movería sin problema en Venezuela |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/24/el-es-alias-pablito-el-cabecilla-del-eln-que-gustavo-petro-culpa-por-la-sangrienta-guerra-en-el-catatumbo/ |website=Infobae}}

On 24 January, the 30th Army Brigade of the Colombian Army began a ground offensive in 11 municipios of the Catatumbo region, following large waves of artillery strikes aimed at clearing the area, the offensive was codenamed Operation Catatumbo and was aimed at recapturing all lost ground as well as bringing the region under government control.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/conflicto-y-narcotrafico/arrancan-las-operaciones-ofensivas-en-catatumbo-mindefensa-y-cupula-de-la-fuerza-publica-pasan-revista-3420649|title=Arrancan las operaciones ofensivas en Catatumbo: Mindefensa y cúpula de la Fuerza Pública pasan revista|first=Jesús Antonio|last=Blanquicet|date=January 24, 2025|website=El Tiempo}} The Colombian military deployed a large column of 20 M1117 armoured vehicles to supplement and reinforce the 5th Mechanized Cavalry Squadron deployed in the offensives{{Cite web|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/5147880/013-colombia|title=Colombia envía un nuevo lote de blindados M1117 al Catatumbo|access-date=2025-01-24|website=Infodefensa |language=es}} as well as Santa Bárbara Sistemas 155/52 heavy artillery pieces{{Cite web|url=https://www.elpais.com.co/colombia/ejercito-intensifica-operativos-con-artilleria-pesada-en-el-catatumbo-para-combatir-al-eln-y-proteger-a-la-poblacion-civil-2431.html|title=Ejército intensifica operativos con artillería pesada en el Catatumbo para combatir al ELN y proteger a la población civil|access-date=2025-01-25|date=2025-01-24|website=El País|language=spanish}} to partake in the offensive. More than a thousand special operatives of the Rapid Deployment Force were also deployed to the area for the operation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bluradio.com/nacion/cerca-de-1-000-comandos-especializados-de-ffmm-llegaron-a-reforzar-ofensiva-en-catatumbo-rg10|title=Cerca de 1.000 comandos especializados de FFMM llegaron a reforzar ofensiva en Catatumbo|date=2025-01-25|first=García|last=Felipe|access-date=2025-01-24|website=Blu Radio|language=es}} The special forces engaged in heavy fighting supplementing the 2nd Division in multiple areas and were also able to evacuate a civilian family being trapped by the fighting. Colombian Defense Ministers Ivan Velasquez Gomez met with Venezuelan counterpart Vladimir Padrino López in San Cristóbal to discuss the situation and confirmed a military operation with the collaboration of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) to fight the ELN on the border with Venezuela.{{cite web|date=31 January 2025 |title=Petro confirma colaboración con la FANB para enfrentar al ELN: «Una frontera sin mafias debe ser el objetivo final» |url=https://bitlyanews.com/internacionales/petro-confirma-colaboracion-con-la-fanb-para-enfrentar-al-eln-una-frontera-sin-mafias-debe-ser-el-objetivo-final/ |website=Alberto News}}

On 25 January, the 30th Combat Engineering Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Miller Fernando Moreno also successfully conducted a special operation in the urban area of Tibú following artillery strikes the day prior. Eighty-four ELN combatants surrendered to Colombian authorities, 20 child soldiers were also rescued from ELN's 33rd Front. Fifty five rifles, two machine guns, a sniper rifle, twenty five pistols, 80 mortar shells, explosives, 300 anti-personnel mines, 20,327 rounds of ammunition and communications equipment were also seized.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/primeros-resultados-operaciones-militares-en-el-catatumbo-GE26447188|title=84 guerrilleros sometidos y 20 menores recuperados: primeros resultados de las operaciones militares en el Catatumbo|first=Brian Ferney |last=Valencia Ríos|date=January 25, 2025|website=El Colombiano}} A high-pitched battle was fought in the southeast of El Tarra resulting in victory by the army and advances by its forces. A Colombian army vehicle was ambushed while conducting "stabilization operations", Colombian military reported no losses but three ELN members involved in the ambush were captured.{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/es/am%C3%A9rica-latina/20250126-colombia-eln-ataca-con-explosivos-al-ej%C3%A9rcito-mientras-se-acent%C3%BAa-la-crisis-en-el-catatumbo|title=Colombia: ELN ataca con explosivos al Ejército mientras se acentúa la crisis en el Catatumbo|date=January 26, 2025|website=France 24}} On 27 January, further fighting continued{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-28 |date=2025-01-27 |first=Jesús Antonio |language=spanish |last=Blanquicet |title=Catatumbo: los detalles del enfrentamiento entre disidencias y el Eln que dejó 13 personas asesinadas en Teorama |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/conflicto-y-narcotrafico/catatumbo-los-detalles-del-enfrentamiento-entre-disidencias-y-el-eln-que-dejo-13-personas-asesinadas-en-teorama-3421305 |website=El Tiempo}} and 13 dead bodies of FARC combatants including women and two child soldiers were discovered by the authorities in the villages of Vegas de Oriente, San José de Vegas and El Rosario, in the district of La Cecilia,[https://www.elespectador.com/judicial/urgente-catatumbo-hoy-encuentran-13-cuerpos-sin-vida-en-zona-rural-de-teorama-noticias-hoy/ Crisis en el Catatumbo: encuentran 13 cuerpos sin vida en zona rural de Teorama] three more bodies including a child were recovered later that day.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-28 |date=2025-01-28 |first=Valentina Parada |language=es-CO |last=Lugo |title=La violencia se agudiza en el Catatumbo con 16 muertes más |url=https://elpais.com/america-colombia/2025-01-28/la-violencia-se-agudiza-en-el-catatumbo-con-16-muertes-mas.html |website=El País América Colombia}} By 27 January, 9,352 National Army troops and 795 police officers were engaged in conducting four simultaneous offensive operations in the region.{{Cite web |url=https://caracol.com.co/2025/01/28/mindefensa-hay-cuatro-operaciones-ofensivas-simultaneas-en-el-catatumbo/ |title=MinDefensa: Hay cuatro operaciones ofensivas simultaneas en el Catatumbo |access-date=2025-01-28 |first=H |last=María Fernanda Latorre |date=2025-01-27 |website=Caracol Radio |language=es}}{{Cite web|url=https://cambiocolombia.com/conflicto-armado-en-colombia/operacion-catatumbo-refuerza-la-seguridad-en-el-territorio-y-facilita|title=Operación Catatumbo refuerza la seguridad en el territorio y facilita el retorno de comunidades desplazadas {{!}} Cambio Colombia|access-date=2025-01-28|first=C|last=Javier Patiño|website=cambiocolombia.com|language=spanish}} The Council of State tasked Germán Calderón España to protect and remove minors from Catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-28 |date=2025-01-27 |language=spanish |last=Semana |title=Consejo de Estado admite tutela que pide sacar del Catatumbo a menores en riesgo por guerra entre el ELN y las disidencias |url=https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/consejo-de-estado-admite-tutela-que-pide-sacar-del-catatumbo-a-menores-en-riesgo-por-guerra-entre-el-eln-y-las-disidencias/202538/ |website=Semana.com Últimas Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo}}

Alias 'JJ Guaracas', a FARC commander surrendered to authorities on 29 January.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-30 |date=2025-01-29 |first=Jesús Antonio |language=spanish |last=Blanquicet |title=Catatumbo: el perfil criminal del cabecilla de las disidencias que se entregó al Ejército |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/conflicto-y-narcotrafico/catatumbo-el-perfil-criminal-del-cabecilla-de-las-disidencias-que-se-entrego-al-ejercito-3422186 |website=El Tiempo}}

On 30 January 2025, the Colombian military seized weapons of the Venezuelan Armed Forces during an operation against the FARC.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-31 |date=2025-01-30 |title=Encontraron armas de las fuerzas armadas de Venezuela a las disidencias de las Farc en Meta |url=https://www.noticiasrcn.com/colombia/encontraron-armas-de-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-venezuela-a-las-disidencias-de-las-farc-en-meta-848591 |website=Noticias RCN}}{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-31 |date=2025-01-30 |title=Hallan armas de la Fuerza Armada Venezolana durante operación contra las FARC en Colombia |url=https://elinformadorve.com/30/01/2025/destacada/hallan-armas-de-la-fuerza-armada-venezolana-durante-operacion-contra-las-farc-en-colombia/ |website=El Informador}}{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-31 |date=2025-01-30 |title=Encuentran armas de la Fanb a guerrilleros de la Farc en Colombia |url=https://laverdad.com/encuentran-armas-de-la-fanb-a-guerrilleros-de-la-farc-en-colombia/ |website=La Verdad}}{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-31 |date=2025-01-30 |last=Katherine |title=Hallan fusiles con logos de la Fuerza Armada Venezolana en operativo contra disidencias de las FARC en Colombia |url=https://evtv.online/destacados/hallan-fusiles-con-logos-de-la-fuerza-armada-venezolana-en-operativo-contra-disidencias-de-las-farc-en-colombia/ |website=EVTV Miami}} As of 30 January, the National Army haf destroyed more than 2,645 ELN explosive devices.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-30 |date=2025-01-30 |first=Noticias |language=es |last=Caracol |title=ELN instala minas en el Catatumbo en carreteras y colegios para impedir avance de Fuerzas Militares |url=https://www.noticiascaracol.com/colombia/eln-instala-minas-en-el-catatumbo-en-carreteras-y-colegios-para-impedir-avance-de-fuerzas-militares-rg10 |website=Noticias Caracol}}

On 31 January, 16 peace signatories had been killed by the fighting and clashes.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-01-31 |language=spanish |last=Semana |title=Continúa el desangre en el Catatumbo: estas son las tristes e impresionantes cifras de homicidios; hay niños entre las víctimas |url=https://www.semana.com/nacion/cucuta/articulo/continua-el-desangre-en-el-catatumbo-estas-son-las-tristes-e-impresionantes-cifras-de-homicidios-hay-ninos-entre-las-victimas/202510/ |website=Semana.com Últimas Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo}}

On 1 February, the National Army of Colombia announced its most wanted list of individuals involved in the conflict, offering a $500 million pesos reward for information leading to the capture of the alleged ELN members Robinson Navarro Flores (alias Alfred), Oscar Emiro Perez Alvarez (alias Arbey), and Leonel Salazar Roa (alias Gonzalo Satellite).

The announcement, coming in the fromer of a poster, also offered a $100 million pesos reward for information leading to the capture of those described as "planning and executing criminal activities in the region":{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-01 |first=Por Francy |language=es-ES |last=Agudelo |title=Revelaron el cartel de los más buscados del Catatumbo: los señalan como responsables de los desplazamientos forzados en la región |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/02/01/revelaron-el-cartel-de-los-mas-buscados-del-catatumbo-los-senalan-como-responsables-de-los-desplazamientos-forzados-en-la-region/ |website=infobae}}

• Diego Fernando Coronel (alias Caballo de Guerra)
• Samir Duran Duran
• Schneider Segundo Pallares Toro (alias Mocho Giovanny)
• Jose del Carmen Avendaño Guerrero (alias Rumbala)
• José Antonio Vargas Esteban (alias Diego)
• Wilmar Antonio Salazar López (alias Yimi)
• Luz Amanda Pallares Pallares (alias Silvana Guerrero)

Peace Commissioner Otty Patiño acknowledged that the Colombian government did not analyze warnings ahead of the attacks.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-03 |first=Alfonso |language=es-ES |last=Hernandez |title=Comisionado reconoce que el Gobierno de Colombia no analizó una alerta de violencia en el Catatumbo - EFE |url=https://efe.com/mundo/2025-02-04/colombia-catatumbo-violencia-eln/ |website=EFE Noticias}} On 4 February, a humanitarian aid convoy entered Catatumbo and a humanitarian commission was also announced.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |language=es |title=Colombia: comisión humanitaria abordará crisis en Catatumbo – DW – 04/02/2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/es/colombia-comisi%C3%B3n-humanitaria-abordar%C3%A1-la-crisis-en-catatumbo/a-71498094 |website=dw.com}}

On 5 February, an ELN guerrilla was killed and two were captured in clashes with the National Army.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-06 |language=spanish |last=Semana |title=Combates entre Ejército y el ELN en el Catatumbo deja un subversivo muerto y dos capturados |url=https://www.semana.com/nacion/cucuta/articulo/combates-entre-ejercito-y-el-eln-en-norte-de-santander-deja-un-subversivo-muerto-y-dos-capturados-en-medio-de-la-operacion-catatumbo/202521/ |website=Semana.com Últimas Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo}} ELN fighters also attacked the 30th Combat Engineer Battalion in Tibú destroying pieces of equipment.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-05 |first=Daniela R. Gómez |language=es-ES |last=Isaza |title=Atención: atacaron con explosivos el batallón militar en Tibú, Norte de Santander |url=https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/ataque-explosivos-en-el-catatumbo-batallon-en-tibu-santander-OF26544659 |website=El Colombiano}}

On 6 February, new decrees were issued by the national government to address the crisis in Catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-09 |date=2025-02-06 |first=Juan Sebastián Lombo Delgado, Camilo A. Castillo, Mateo García Agudelo, Juan Pablo Penagos |language=spanish |last=Ramírez |title=Gobierno Petro saca tercer paquete de decretos de conmoción de Catatumbo: limitarán venta de combustible en la zona, modifican destinación de regalías y otras medidas |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/gobierno/gobierno-petro-saca-tercer-paquete-de-decretos-de-conmocion-de-catatumbo-limitaran-venta-de-combustible-en-la-zona-modifican-destinacion-de-regalias-y-otras-medidas-3424536 |website=El Tiempo}}

On 7 February, the National Army reports that the ELN started taking refuge in civilian homes and using residential areas as "human shields".{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-09 |date=2025-02-07 |first=Jesús Antonio |language=spanish |last=Blanquicet |title=Eln no está en campamentos en Catatumbo, sino dentro de las casas de los habitantes, revela el Ejército |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/conflicto-y-narcotrafico/eln-no-esta-en-campamentos-en-catatumbo-sino-dentro-de-las-casas-de-los-habitantes-revela-el-ejercito-3425066 |website=El Tiempo}}

Mocho Olmedo, a leader of the FARC-EP dissidents have surrendered to the National Army on 8 February following ELN attacks.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-09 |date=2025-02-08 |first=Por Frank |language=es-ES |last=Saavedra |title=Alias Mocho Olmedo, líder del Frente 33 de las disidencias Farc en el Catatumbo, se entregó al Ejército Nacional tras ataque del ELN |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/02/08/alias-mocho-olmedo-lider-del-frente-33-de-las-disidencias-farc-en-el-catatumbo-se-entrego-al-ejercito-nacional-tras-ataque-del-eln/ |website=infobae}}

On 10 February, ELN commander Antonio García acusa accused Gustavo Petro of working with FARC-EP Dissidents{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-11 |date=2025-02-10 |first=Por Nelson |language=es-ES |last=Álvarez |title=Comandante del ELN aseguró que Gobierno Petro protege a las disidencias de las Farc en el Catatumbo: "Su propósito es extenderse para convertirse en un emporio narco" |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/02/10/comandante-del-eln-aseguro-que-gobierno-petro-protege-a-las-disidencias-de-las-farc-en-el-catatumbo-su-proposito-es-extenderse-para-convertirse-en-un-emporio-narco/ |website=infobae}} and Gustavo Petro alleged that ELN was receiving support from Sinaloa Cartel.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-11 |date=2025-02-10 |first=María Alejandra González |language=spanish |last=Duarte |title=Presidente Petro dice que cartel de Sinaloa es el jefe del ELN: dura acusación tras recrudecimiento del conflicto en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/gobierno/presidente-petro-dice-que-cartel-de-sinaloa-es-el-jefe-del-eln-dura-acusacion-tras-recrudecimiento-del-conflicto-en-el-catatumbo-3425468 |website=El Tiempo}}

On 11 February, movements were restricted in the Catatumbo region.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-12 |date=2025-02-11 |first=María Fernanda Latorre |language=es |last=H |title=Restringen movilidad de vehículos en Catatumbo |url=https://caracol.com.co/2025/02/12/gobierno-implementa-medidas-para-restringir-movilidad-de-vehiculos-ilicitos-en-el-catatumbo/ |website=Caracol Radio}}{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-18 |date=2025-02-15 |first=Cristina |language=es |last=Navarro |title=Se cumple un mes de la escalada de violencia del ELN en la región del Catatumbo, Norte de Santander |url=https://caracol.com.co/2025/02/15/se-cumple-un-mes-de-la-escalada-de-violencia-del-eln-en-la-region-del-catatumbo-norte-de-santander/ |website=Caracol Radio}} On 17 February, government launched a campaign to provide minimum wages to all those famers who willingly destroy their narcotics crops.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-18 |date=2025-02-17 |first=Geraldine Rozo |language=spanish |last=Amórtegui |title=Gobierno pagará a campesinos por erradicar cultivos ilícitos en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/santanderes/gobierno-pagara-a-campesinos-por-erradicar-cultivos-ilicitos-en-el-catatumbo |website=Rcn Radio}}

On 18 February, FARC-EP dissidents and ELN threatened to kill and "eliminate" all LGBT from the region.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-27 |date=2025-02-19 |first=Valentina Parada |language=es-CO |last=Lugo |title="Vamos a exterminar a todas las maricas": los líderes LGBTI del Catatumbo denuncian desprotección luego de ser desplazados |url=https://elpais.com/america-colombia/2025-02-19/vamos-a-exterminar-a-todas-las-maricas-los-lideres-lgbti-del-catatumbo-denuncian-la-desproteccion-luego-de-ser-desplazados.html |website=El País América Colombia}}

On 20 February, a soldier and four civilians were killed by ELN in catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-27 |date=2025-02-20 |language=spanish |last=Semana |title=Violencia en el Catatumbo a manos del ELN: un soldado y cuatro civiles fueron asesinados en las últimas horas |url=https://www.semana.com/nacion/cucuta/articulo/violencia-en-el-catatumbo-a-manos-del-eln-un-soldado-y-cuatro-civiles-fueron-asesinados-en-las-ultimas-horas/202554/ |website=Semana.com Últimas Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo}} A police officer was also injured in a bomb attack on a police station in Cucuta.{{Cite news |date=21 February 2025 |title=Clashes between Colombian military and guerrilla dissidents leave a soldier dead and another wounded |url=https://apnews.com/article/colombia-petro-coca-eln-farc-explosions-catatumbo-00355666825121a5086d25ecf64f2631 |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=AP News |language=en-US }}

On March 1, three bodies, pistols and a gas cylinder were discovered in Tibú, Norte de Santander. The victims were identified as two civilians and an ELN member.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2025 |title=Hallan tres cadáveres y un cilindro abandonado en Tibú |trans-title=Three bodies and an abandoned cylinder found in Tibú |url=https://www.elheraldo.co/colombia/2025/03/01/hallan-tres-cadaveres-y-un-cilindro-abandonado-en-tibu/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |publisher=El Heraldo de Colombia |language=es}} Also on March 1, the Colombian Army announced that an ELN flag was set up in Saravena, Arauca Department, and when security forces tried to take it down, an explosive device detonated. No casualties or damage were reported.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2025 |title=Ejército denuncia que el ELN instaló bandera en Saravena, Arauca, y detonó un explosivo |trans-title=Army denounces that the ELN installed a flag in Saravena, Arauca, and detonated an explosive |url=https://www.elheraldo.co/colombia/2025/03/01/ejercito-denuncia-que-el-eln-instalo-bandera-en-saravena-arauca-y-detono-un-explosivo/#google_vignette |access-date=March 1, 2025 |publisher=El Heraldo de Colombia |language=es}}

On 3 March 3, ELN handed over 22 hostages to the humanitarian commission after keeping them in custody for 45 days.{{cite web|author=Defensoría del Pueblo |date=3 March 2025 |title=Comisión humanitaria para la región del Catatumbo recibió a 22 personas liberadas por el ELN |url=https://www.defensoria.gov.co/en/-/comisi%C3%B3n-humanitaria-para-la-regi%C3%B3n-del-catatumbo-recibi%C3%B3-a-22-personas-liberadas-por-el-eln}} Also on 3 March, ELN conducted a drone attack in Teorama killing a soldier.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-04 |first=Elibardo León |language=spanish |last=Estévez |title=Asesinan con un dron a un militar en el Catatumbo, Norte de Santander |url=https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/santanderes/asesinan-con-un-dron-a-un-militar-en-el-catatumbo-norte-de-santander |website=RCN Radio}}

On 6 March, the national government appointed Brigadier General Mario Contreras as military commander for the Catatumbo region.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-06 |first=Sara Valentina Quevedo |language=spanish |last=Delgado |title=¿Quién es el brigadier general Mario Contreras, nuevo comandante para el Catatumbo durante la conmoción interior? |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/conflicto-y-narcotrafico/quien-es-el-brigadier-general-mario-contreras-nuevo-comandante-para-el-catatumbo-durante-la-conmocion-interior-3433029 |website=El Tiempo}}

On 7 March, ElN conducted a drone attack in Tibú killing a soldier and wounding three more and in another attack in Convención at the same time, a soldier was injured by an ELN sniper.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-07 |first=Jenny |language=es |last=Márquez |title=Cinco militares heridos y uno muerto después de dos ataques registrados en la región del Catatumbo |url=https://www.wradio.com.co/2025/03/08/cinco-militares-heridos-y-uno-muerto-despues-de-dos-ataques-registrados-en-la-region-del-catatumbo/ |website=W Radio}}

On 10 March, ELN attacked the National Army in the Miraflores area of La Playa de Belén killing 1 soldier,{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-11 |date=2025-03-11 |language=spanish |last=Semana |title=ELN asesinó a otro soldado en el Catatumbo tras fuertes combates en La Playa de Belén |url=https://www.semana.com/nacion/cucuta/articulo/eln-asesino-a-otro-soldado-en-el-catatumbo-tras-fuertes-combates-en-la-playa-de-belen/202532/ |website=Semana.com Últimas Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo}} five civilians were also killed in Ocaña, the same day.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-11 |date=2025-03-10 |first=Por José David |language=es-ES |last=Rodríguez |title=5 personas asesinadas en nueva masacre en El Catatumbo, esta vez en Ocaña |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/03/10/5-personas-asesinadas-en-nueva-masacre-en-el-catatumbo-esta-vez-en-ocana/ |website=infobae}}

Officials deployed over 5,000 troops throughout the region and prepared to send {{convert|10|t}} of food and hygiene kits to displaced people in the communities of Ocaña and Tibú. Colombia's army rescued and evacuated dozens of people and animals using helicopters.

As of 20 January, about 19,800 people were displaced, of which 11,000 fled to the city of Cúcuta.

On 20 January, a state of emergency was declared by Colombian president Gustavo Petro in the Catatumbo region.{{Cite web |last1=Rueda |first1=Manuel |last2=Suarez |first2=Astrid |date=2025-01-20 |title=Colombia to declare 'state of emergency' as violence in northern regions spikes |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/colombia-to-declare-state-of-emergency-as-violence-in-northern-regions-spikes/ar-AA1xy0fj |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=MSN}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-20 |title=Colombia's president will declare an emergency over deadly ELN attacks in the northeast |url=https://apnews.com/article/colombia-eln-violence-petro-7c0ec0b598be4f85a40a9788d92e4838 |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=AP News |language=en}}

The Office of the Inspector General of Colombia reported that around 46,000 children have not been able to begin the academic year due to the violence and that about 35% of the displaced population are under 18.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-21 |title=Alrededor de 46.000 niños se quedaron sin ir a clase en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.elespectador.com/judicial/alrededor-de-46000-ninos-se-quedaron-sin-ir-a-clase-en-el-catatumbo/ |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=EL ESPECTADOR |language=spanish}}

On 24 January, President Petro issued a decree giving himself emergency powers to restore order in the Catatumbo region for a period of 270 days.

On 29 January, the Columbian government announced new temporary taxes on gambling, oil and coal exploration, and stamp duties to address the crisis in Catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-30 |date=2025-01-29 |first=Por Juan Escobar |language=es-ES |last=Fernández |title=Gobierno dio más detalles de los nuevos impuestos que cobrará a los colombianos para afrontar la crisis en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/29/gobierno-dio-mas-detalles-de-los-nuevos-impuestos-que-cobrara-a-los-colombianos-para-afrontar-la-crisis-en-el-catatumbo/ |website=infobae}}

On 30 January, decrees favoring farmers of Catatumbo were issued to garner local support.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-05 |date=2025-01-30 |first=Santiago Triana |language=es-CO |last=Sánchez |title=El Gobierno prima la agricultura sobre la seguridad y los impuestos en los primeros decretos de conmoción interior en el Catatumbo |url=https://elpais.com/america-colombia/2025-01-30/el-gobierno-prima-la-agricultura-sobre-la-seguridad-y-los-impuestos-en-los-primeros-decretos-de-conmocion-interior-en-el-catatumbo.html |website=El País América Colombia}} The position of the Military Commander of Catatumbo was established to deal with the situation.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-01-30 |first=Ana María |language=spanish |last=Cuesta |title=Decreto presidencial crea un 'comandante militar' para el Catatumbo y la zona de conmoción interior |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/investigacion/decreto-presidencial-crea-un-comandante-militar-para-el-catatumbo-y-la-zona-de-conmocion-interior-3422641 |website=El Tiempo}}

On 31 January, 90% subsidies were announced for public services in catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |language=es |title=Subsidios del 90 % para servicios públicos en municipios de El Catatumbo |url=https://ambitojuridico.com/noticias/general/servicios-publicos-domiciliarios/subsidios-del-90-para-servicios-publicos-en |website=Ámbito Jurídico}}

More than 3,500 hectares of land in Catatumbo was administratively expropriated by the government.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-03 |first=Por Katherine |language=es-ES |last=Lancheros |title=Expropiación de tierras en Catatumbo: director de la ANT reveló de dónde saldrán las 3.500 hectáreas |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/02/03/expropiacion-de-tierras-en-catatumbo-director-de-la-ant-revelo-de-donde-saldran-las-3500-hectareas/ |website=infobae}}

On 24 February, United command post handed over its duties to the military.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-27 |date=2025-02-24 |first=Jenny |language=es |last=Márquez |title=Se terminó el Puesto de Mando Unificado por la crisis en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.wradio.com.co/2025/02/24/se-termino-el-puesto-de-mando-unificado-por-la-crisis-en-el-catatumbo/ |website=W Radio}}

On 26 February, 1,282 hectares of land were transferred to the victims of the attacks.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-27 |date=2025-02-26 |first=El |language=spanish |last=Espectador |title=Resultados 'Plan Catatumbo': formalización y entrega de tierra a familias víctimas |url=https://www.elespectador.com/especiales/resultados-plan-catatumbo-formalizacion-y-entrega-de-tierra-a-familias-victimas/ |website=ELESPECTADOR.COM}}

On 3 March, in a televised cabinet meeting, the national government announced a peace plan.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |language=es |title=Petro lanza plan de paz para recuperar el Catatumbo – DW – 04/03/2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/es/petro-lanza-plan-de-paz-para-recuperar-el-catatumbo/a-71818133 |website=dw.com}} and a plan to eradicate 25,000 hectares of cocaine plantations in the Catatumbo region.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-05 |title=Colombia: Petro presenta un plan para erradicar 25.000 hectáreas de coca en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.france24.com/es/am%C3%A9rica-latina/20250305-colombia-petro-presenta-un-plan-para-erradicar-25-000-hect%C3%A1reas-de-coca-en-el-catatumbo |website=France 24}}

On 7 March, the government announced four road projects in the region{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-07 |first=Valora |language=spanish |last=Analitik |title=Proyectos viales que gobierno Petro ejecutará para mitigar crisis del Catatumbo |url=https://www.valoraanalitik.com/proyectos-viales-gobierno-petro-ejecutara-mitigar-crisis-catatumbo/}} including the Catatumbo Transversal, to be built and operated by the National Army.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-06 |first=Felipe |language=es |last=García |title=La vía en el Catatumbo que ha costado sangre, muertos y heridos: la construyen militares |url=https://www.bluradio.com/nacion/la-via-en-el-catatumbo-que-ha-costado-sangre-muertos-y-heridos-la-construyen-militares-rg10 |website=Blu Radio}}

On 8 March, President Gustavo Petro signed the Social Pact for Catatumbo.{{citation |work=FRANCE 24 Español |date=2025-03-07 |access-date=2025-03-09 |title=Petro firma "Pacto Social por el Catatumbo" para terminar con violencia entre guerrillas |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVDmTNgakLg}}

On 9 March, a peace plan was announced between the National Government and the FARC-EP dissidents of the 33rd Front.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-09 |first=Juan Pablo Penagos |language=spanish |last=Ramírez |title=Así arrancaría el plan de paz del Gobierno con Frente 33 de las disidencias de las Farc en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/proceso-de-paz/asi-seria-el-plan-de-paz-del-gobierno-con-frente-33-de-las-disidencias-de-las-farc-en-catatumbo-3433734 |website=El Tiempo}}

On January 31, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced Operation Lightning against "drug trafficking" and "illegal organizations" on the border with Catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-05 |date=2025-01-31 |title=Nicolás Maduro anuncia ejercicios militares en la zona del Catatumbo y habla de "coordinación" con el Gobierno Petro |url=https://www.semana.com/mundo/articulo/nicolas-maduro-anuncia-ejercicios-militares-en-la-zona-del-catatumbo-y-habla-de-coordinacion-con-el-gobierno-petro/202507/ |website=Semana.com}}{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-05 |date=2025-01-31 |title=Venezuela anunció acciones en conjunto con Colombia bajo la "operación Catatumbo" |url=https://www.larepublica.co/globoeconomia/venezuela-anuncio-acciones-en-conjunto-con-colombia-bajo-la-operacion-catatumbo-4051007 |website=Diario La República}} The next day, Venezuelan authorities destroyed 3 camps of "illegal armed groups" in Zulia and seized 655 kilogram of cocaine and 1,400 liters of acetone.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-04 |first=David |last=Delgado |title=▷ Venezuela incauta 655 kilos de cocaína y destruye campamentos en frontera con Colombia #4Feb |url=https://www.elimpulso.com/2025/02/04/venezuela-incauta-655-kilos-de-cocaina-y-destruye-campamentos-en-frontera-con-colombia-4feb/ |website=El Impulso}} Venezuelan troops engaged in direct combat with ELN from across the border.{{cite web|date=2025-01-31 |language=es-CO |title=Catatumbo: "Todos sabíamos que esto iba a terminar en una guerra" |url=https://mutante.org/contenidos/catatumbo-todos-sabiamos-que-esto-iba-a-terminar-en-una-guerra/ |website=Mutante}} On February 10, Venezuelan forces destroyed 27 more camps of "illegal groups" on the border with Colombia.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-12 |date=2025-02-11 |first=María |last=Briceño |title=Vladimir Padrino López: Operación Relámpago del Catatumbo atendió integralmente a más de 2 mil personas |url=https://noticialdia.com/nacionales/vladimir-padrino-lopez-operacion-relampago-del-catatumbo-atendio-integralmente-a-mas-de-2-mil-personas/ |website=Noticia al Día}} On 6 March, Columbian and Venezuelan presidents met with each other to discuss military cooperation.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-09 |date=2025-03-06 |first=Por Mario Alejandro |language=es-ES |last=Rodríguez |title=Petro hablará con el dictador Nicolás Maduro si la Corte Constitucional tumba los decretos de conmoción interior para el Catatumbo |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/03/06/petro-hablara-con-el-dictador-nicolas-maduro-si-la-corte-constitucional-tumba-los-decretos-de-conmocion-interior-para-el-catatumbo/ |website=infobae}}

On 17 January, President of Colombia Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks with the group as a result of the attacks. The government demanded that the ELN cease all attacks and allow authorities to enter the region and provide humanitarian aid.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2025 |title=Colombia's president suspends peace talks with ELN rebels |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombias-president-suspends-peace-talks-with-eln-rebels-2025-01-17/ |access-date=19 January 2025 |publisher=Reuters |language=en}} In response to the ELN clashes, he stated the group has "chosen the path of war, and a war they will have".

On 18 January, the city of Ocaña enabled the city's coliseum to receive internally displaced persons and called for the national government to declare a state of emergency to address the conflict.{{Cite web |last=Reyes Espinosa |first=Daniel Esteban |date=18 January 2025 |title=Alcalde de Ocaña habla sobre la conmoción interior del Catatumbo: "Puede ser la salida inmediata" |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/18/alcalde-de-ocana-habla-sobre-la-conmocion-interior-del-catatumbo-puede-ser-la-salida-inmediata/ |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=Infobae |language=es}}

On 20 January, Petro announced plans to declare a state of economic emergency and a state of domestic commotion which provides the executive branch extraordinary capacities to re-establish public order in the region.{{Cite web |last=Colorado |first=Juan Camilo |date=20 January 2025 |title=Gustavo Petro decreta Estado de Emergencia Económica por la situación en Catatumbo |url=https://www.larepublica.co/economia/gustavo-petro-decreta-estado-de-emergencia-economica-por-la-situacion-en-catatumbo-4041533 |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=La República |language=es}} The Government of the Cesar Department sent humanitarian aid to the towns of González and Río de Oro, which border the Catatumbo region, anticipating the arrival of refugees.{{Cite web |last=Saavedra Torres |first=Brian |date=20 January 2025 |title=Desplazados por guerra en el Catatumbo llegan al sur del César|url=https://caracol.com.co/2025/01/20/desplazados-por-guerra-en-el-catatumbo-llegan-al-sur-del-cesar/ |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=Caracol Radio |language=es}}{{Cite web |last=Sanchez Florez |first=Milagro |date=20 January 2025 |title=Río de Oro y González, en el Cesar, en alerta por desplazados del Catatumbo|url=https://www.elheraldo.co/cesar/2025/01/20/rio-de-oro-y-gonzalez-en-el-cesar-en-alerta-por-desplazados-del-catatumbo/ |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=El Heraldo |language=es}} In addition, the Mayor of Cúcuta, Jorge Acevedo said that over 11,000 internally displaced persons have arrived at the city since the start of the conflict and requested further assistance from the national government.{{Cite web |date=20 January 2025 |title='La situación se desbordó; la ayuda no alcanza para cubrir necesidades de los más de 11 mil desplazados': alcalde de Cúcuta |url=https://www.elheraldo.co/colombia/2025/01/20/alcalde-de-cucuta-pide-ayuda-para-atender-a-desplazados-por-violencia-en-el-catatumbo/ |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=El Heraldo |language=es}} On 19 January, Cúcuta's Estadio General Santander was repurposed to receive refugees.{{Cite web |last=Rojas |first=Camilo |date=19 January 2025 |title=Estadio general Santander es refugio de los desplazados que huyen de violencia en el Catatumbo|url=https://www.noticiascaracol.com/colombia/estadio-general-santander-es-refugio-de-los-desplazados-que-huyen-de-violencia-en-el-catatumbo-rg10 |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=Noticias Caracol |language=es}}

On 20 January, officials from Bucaramanga announced that they would evaluate establishing temporary camps for possible refugees. Officials also said they would send humanitarian aid to the Catatumbo region.{{Cite web |date=20 January 2025 |title=Bucaramanga se prepara para recibir desplazados del Catatumbo ante la crisis en la zona|url=https://www.bluradio.com/regiones/santanderes/bucaramanga-se-prepara-para-recibir-desplazados-del-catatumbo-ante-la-crisis-en-la-zona-rg10 |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=Blu Radio |language=es}}

The Colombian energy company Ecopetrol said that it would restrict work and movement at the Tibu oil field and the Sardinata gas plant in Catatumbo.

Rodrigo Londoño, former commander of the FARC-EP and leader of the Comunes party, criticized the ELN in a letter responding to the statements of Antonio García, commander of the ELN.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-24 |date=2025-01-24 |first=Por José David |last=Rodríguez |title="No nos acabó la ultraderecha, menos el ELN": la dura respuesta de 'Timochenko' por la guerra en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/24/no-nos-acabo-la-ultraderecha-menos-el-eln-la-dura-respuesta-de-timochenko-por-la-guerra-en-el-catatumbo/ |website=Infobae}}

On 27 January, President Gustavo Petro responded to a letter from Jhon Mechas of the FARC-EP dissidents.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-28 |date=2025-01-26 |first=El |language=spanish |last=Espectador |title=Catatumbo: jefe de disidencias envía carta a Petro y abre la puerta diálogo con ELN |url=https://www.elespectador.com/colombia-20/conflicto/catatumbo-carta-de-jhon-mechas-a-petro-abre-posibilidad-de-dialogo-con-eln-ante-crisis/ |website=ELESPECTADOR.COM}}

120 social leaders from Catatumbo protested in Plaza de Bolívar, Bogotá demanding a meeting with the national government{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-29 |date=2025-01-29 |first=Por Francy |language=es-ES |last=Agudelo |title=Líderes del Catatumbo se toman la plaza de Bolívar en Bogotá: piden ayuda al Gobierno en medio de la oleada de violencia |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/29/120-lideres-de-la-region-del-catatumbo-se-toman-la-plaza-de-bolivar-en-bogota-para-pedir-ayuda-al-gobierno-nacional-en-medio-de-la-ola-de-violencia/ |website=infobae}} but withdrew following negotiations for better provision of services.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-30 |language=es |title=Acuerdo histórico entre el Gobierno y líderes del Catatumbo tras intensas negociaciones |url=https://citytv.eltiempo.com/fotos-y-videos/video-y-multimedia/acuerdo-historico-entre-el-gobierno-y-lideres-del-catatumbo-tras-intensas-negociaciones_77649 |website=CityTv}}

Former ELN commander Carlos Arturo Velandia, alias Felipe Torres, criticized the actions of the ELN and violations of International Humanitarian Law.{{cite web|access-date=2025-01-30 |date=2025-01-29 |first=Voz |language=es |last=Digital |title="En el Catatumbo se ha violado el Derecho Internacional Humanitario" |url=https://semanariovoz.com/en-el-catatumbo-se-ha-violado-el-derecho-internacional-humanitario/ |website=Semanario Voz}}

Colombian Ombudsman Iris Marín stated that “Catatumbo seals the political death of the ELN.”{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-02 |first=Lucas |language=es-CO |last=Reynoso |title=Iris Marín, defensora del Pueblo de Colombia: "El Catatumbo sella la muerte política del ELN" |url=https://elpais.com/america-colombia/2025-02-02/iris-marin-defensora-del-pueblo-de-colombia-el-catatumbo-sella-la-muerte-politica-del-eln.html |website=El País América Colombia}} On 3 February, in a statement, the FARC-EP dissidents accused the ELN of treason.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-03 |first=Por Nelson |language=es-ES |last=Álvarez |title=Las disidencias de las Farc aseguraron que el ELN los traicionó con su guerra en el Catatumbo: "Los considerábamos nuestros hermanos" |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/02/03/las-disidencias-de-las-farc-aseguran-que-el-eln-los-traiciono-los-considerabamos-nuestros-hermanos/ |website=infobae}}

On 3 February, ELN commander Antonio García accused Gustavo Petro's government of not complying with what was agreed upon in the peace talks.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-02-04 |first=Fernando |language=es |last=Ramos |title=Exclusivo: el jefe del ELN dice a CNN que el Gobierno de Petro no ha cumplido con lo pactado en la mesa de negociaciones |url=https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2025/02/03/colombia/eln-jefe-antonio-garcia-petro-mesa-exclusivo-orix |website=CNN}}

ELN commander Antonio García accused President Gustavo Petro of treason for the policy implemented in Catatumbo.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-06 |date=2025-01-31 |language=spanish |last=Semana |title=Antonio García, jefe del ELN, arremete contra Petro y cuestiona conmoción interior en el Catatumbo: "La guerra total" |url=https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/antonio-garcia-jefe-del-eln-arremete-contra-petro-y-cuestiona-conmocion-interior-en-catatumbo-la-guerra-total/202512/ |website=Semana.com Últimas Noticias de Colombia y el Mundo}}

On 8 February 2025, high judicial officials held a meeting with regards to the Catatumbo crisis.{{cite web|access-date=2025-02-09 |date=2025-02-08 |first=Carlos |language=spanish |last=López |title=Las conclusiones de reunión entre las altas cortes y jueces del Catatumbo tras crisis de inseguridad |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/cortes/las-conclusiones-de-reunion-entre-las-altas-cortes-y-jueces-del-catatumbo-tras-crisis-de-orden-publico-3425215 |website=El Tiempo}}

On 10 March, ELN accused Gustavo Petro's government of turning the policy of total peace into total war.{{cite web|access-date=2025-03-10 |date=2025-03-10 |first=Por Katherine |language=es-ES |last=Lancheros |title=Guerra en el Catatumbo: comandantes del ELN advirtieron que la 'Paz Total' de Petro podría convertirse en una "guerra total" |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/03/10/guerra-en-el-catatumbo-comandantes-del-eln-advirtieron-que-la-paz-total-de-petro-podria-convertirse-en-una-guerra-total/ |website=infobae}}

On 19 January, the Ministry of Interior of Venezuela said it has assisted 812 refugees in the border town of {{Ill|Jesús María Semprún Municipality|lt=Jesús María Semprún|es|Municipio Jesús María Semprúm}}, in Zulia State.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2025 |title=Venezuela atiende a más de 800 colombianos desplazados por conflicto en zona del Catatumbo |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/venezuela-atiende-a-m%C3%A1s-de-800-colombianos-desplazados-por-conflicto-en-zona-del-catatumbo/88748717 |access-date=20 January 2025 |publisher=swissinfo.ch |language=es}}

On 24 January, Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López declared that "Venezuela will not serve as a platform for criminal organizations" and that they will seek to work with Colombian authorities to find a peaceful solution for the conflict.{{Cite web |date=25 January 2025 |title=Venezuela aseguró que no sirve como plataforma para criminales: este es el acuerdo con Colombia por la crisis en el Catatumbo |url=https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/01/25/venezuela-aseguro-que-no-sirve-como-plataforma-para-criminales-este-es-el-acuerdo-con-colombia-por-la-crisis-en-el-catatumbo/ |access-date=25 January 2025 |publisher=Infobae |language=es}}

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