Clashes Between Rival Guerrilla Factions in Colombia Leave 27 Dead

Clashes between two rival leftist guerrilla factions in southwestern Colombia's Guaviare department have resulted in at least 27 deaths, according to military sources. The fighting occurred in El Retorno municipality over control of a jungle area important for cocaine production. The factions, both splinter groups from the former FARC, split in April 2024. One faction led by Néstor Gregorio Vera suffered all fatalities, while the other, led by Alexander Díaz Mendoza, is engaged in ongoing peace talks with the government. Both groups had rejected the 2016 peace agreement.