Forced displacement once again marked the humanitarian agenda in Catatumbo, one of the regions hardest hit by the armed conflict in Colombia. In the last few hours, nearly 240 people had to hastily leave their homes to get to safety, in the midst of armed clashes that intensified just as the country enters the end-of-year season.
According to reports from humanitarian organizations and local authorities, the displaced families left mainly from rural areas of Tibú and El Tarra, municipalities historically affected by the presence of illegal armed groups.
The majority of these people sought refuge in Cúcuta, where the arrival of more than 50 families was recorded, while another smaller group, close to 45 people, headed towards the urban area of Ocaña.
The most delicate situation is experienced in rural sectors of Tibú, where community leaders have warned of a possible mass confinement. In the town of Pachelly, at least 5,800 inhabitants would be at risk of being trapped in the middle of armed disputes, without the possibility of mobilizing or accessing basic aid.
You may be interested in: Again! A car was attacked with stones from a bridge on the southern highway
Faced with this scenario, the Norwegian Refugee Council activated emergency humanitarian assistance mechanisms, although it warned about budget limitations to address a crisis that continues to grow.
The organization asked the State to strengthen the institutional response and guarantee the protection of the civilian population, as well as respect for International Humanitarian Law by armed actors.
According to figures from United Nations agencies, during 2025 more than 190,000 people have suffered some type of impact related to the armed conflict in different parts of Catatumbo, which is equivalent to more than half of the population of this subregion.
Social and humanitarian organizations insisted on the urgency of a national and international solidarity response to assist families who are currently experiencing displacement and violence in one of the most sensitive times of the year.
More news from Colombia