Colombia Conflict 2026

Colombia's 60-year armed conflict continues despite the 2016 FARC peace deal. FARC dissidents (EMC — Estado Mayor Central) rejected the peace deal and continue fighting. The ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) is the other major guerrilla force. Both groups use drone warfare. President Petro's peace talks with ELN collapsed in 2025. Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel has expanded into Colombian territory. Over 400,000 people were newly displaced in 2025.

Background

Colombia's armed conflict dates to 1964 when FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) was founded as a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group. The ELN formed the same year. At their peak in the 2000s, these groups controlled large swathes of Colombian territory. The US-funded Plan Colombia and military modernization significantly degraded them.

A historic peace deal was signed between the Colombian government and FARC in 2016. However, a significant dissident faction (EMC) rejected the deal and has continued armed operations, particularly in border regions. The ELN did not sign the deal.

Current Situation (April 2026)

The 2016 peace agreement reaches its 10-year mark of a 15-year timeline in 2026. The Norwegian Refugee Council estimates 10 million civilians will be affected by April 2026; 7 million require humanitarian assistance (2026 estimate). Colombia remains the deadliest country for human rights defenders globally — 972 killed between 2016 and 2025. The UN is urging protection of former combatants, acceleration of rural land reform, and preparation for 2026 elections. The UN Child Rights Committee expressed concern about increasing child recruitment by armed groups, particularly affecting Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.

President Petro's "Total Peace" policy has stalled. ELN talks collapsed in 2025; EMC has expanded operations in southern Colombia, the Pacific coast, and Venezuela/Ecuador border regions. Both groups have adopted drone warfare. Tren de Aragua (Venezuelan criminal organization) has expanded into Colombian territory.

Regional Hotspots

• South Colombia (EMC / FARC dissidents)CRITICAL — Putumayo, Caquetá
• Norte de Santander (ELN)CRITICAL — ELN stronghold, Venezuela border
• Pacific CoastHIGH — drug trafficking routes
• Arauca / CasanareMEDIUM — ELN / EMC clashes

Key Actors

ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional)

Cuba-influenced Marxist guerrilla group. Active in northeast Colombia and along the Venezuelan border. Conducts bombing campaigns, kidnappings, and extortion. Peace talks with Petro government collapsed in 2025.

EMC (Estado Mayor Central — FARC dissidents)

The largest FARC dissident faction. Rejected the 2016 peace deal. Controls significant rural territory in southern Colombia. More operationally sophisticated than ELN in drone use and tactical innovation.

Tren de Aragua

Venezuelan prison-origin criminal organization that has expanded massively across Latin America and into the US. Active in Colombian border regions. The Trump administration designated it as a terrorist organization.