Officials in Colombia said today that about 60 people were killed in the northeastern Catatumbo region after failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN). Among those killed were seven people who were on their way to sign a peace agreement, as well as community leader Carmelo Guerrero, the report said.
Officials said the attacks took place in several towns in the Catatumbo region and that at least three people involved in peace talks were kidnapped. Hundreds of people are fleeing the area, some hiding in nearby mountains.
The attack came after Colombia suspended peace talks with the National Liberation Army for the second time in less than a year.
The Colombian government has demanded that the ELN cease all attacks and allow authorities to enter the region and provide humanitarian aid.
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