Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Monday that he will declare a state of emergency over the guerrilla attacks in the northeast that have killed dozens of people and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday said that he would declare a state of emergency over the guerrilla attacks in the northeast that have killed dozens of people and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Colombian president Gustavo Petro says he will declare a state of emergency, following a spate of guerrilla attacks in the country's northeast that has killed dozens of people and forced

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.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Monday he will declare a state of emergency after guerilla attacks by the ELN in the northeast of the country killed at least 80 people and forced over 11,000 to flee.

Guerrilla attacks in the country’s northeast have killed dozens and forced thousands of people flee their homes.