The United Nations chief expressed concern Tuesday over rising violence in Colombia, despite sending special forces into guerrilla-controlled areas near the Venezuelan border.
A recent increase in violence has resulted in the death of more than 100 people and displaced about 20,000 others.
With the aim of regaining control, Colombian special forces entered the Catatumbo region, a mountainous region in northeastern Colombia that has become a hotbed of violence.
Residents of the border areas fled to Venezuela, leaving the ghost town behind.
President postpones peace talks
The clashes took place between the remnants of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Groups are fighting for dominance over coca plantations and drug trafficking routes.
Violence escalated after ELN rebels accused civilians of collaborating with their rivals and executed some in their homes.
President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks with the ELN, accusing its members of war crimes.
The violence near the border led the government to declare a state of emergency and deploy 5,000 troops.
UN calls for peace
According to the United Nations, 30 people were abducted and about 1,000 remained trapped in their homes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed concern over the increasing violence.
Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the UN chief, said in a statement that Guterres “calls for an immediate halt to acts of violence against the civilian population.”
ss/sms (AP, AFP)