Colombian President Gustavo Petro says he will declare an emergency over the guerrilla attacks in the northeast that have killed dozens of people and forced thousands to flee.

The move comes as special forces advanced into guerrilla-controlled territories near the Venezuelan border on Tuesday, January 21, aiming to re-establish state control. The mountainous northeastern Catatumbo region has witnessed a surge in fighting between armed leftist groups competing for control over coca plantations and trafficking routes.