In this episode, Ignacio Ayala speaks with Latin America Intelligence Analyst Alex Marciniak about the escalating conflict in Colombia’s Catatumbo region (Norte de Santander department). Alex explains the significance of Catatumbo as a major coca-producing region and a hotspot for drug smuggling across the Venezuela-Colombia border. He also describes how the National Liberation Army (ELN) has intensified attacks against rival guerrilla factions, local leaders and demobilised guerrillas, displacing 47,000 people and prompting the Colombian government to declare a state of emergency and deploy additional military forces.

Please note this episode was recorded on 28 January 2025.

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