Clashes in Colombia between rival rebel groups kill 27 people

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 19, 2026 at 07:54 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Clashes between rival factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the Guaviare region of the Amazon on Sunday resulted in at least 27 deaths. The fighting occurred in the municipality of El Retorno, approximately 300km southeast of Bogota. The conflict is attributed to a struggle for territorial control, as the region is strategically important for cocaine production and trafficking. The clashes involved a faction led by Nestor Gregorio Vera (Ivan Mordisco) and another led by Alexander Diaz Mendoza (Calarca Cordoba), both formerly part of the Central General Staff before separating in April 2024. The casualties were all from Vera's group. Diaz's group is currently engaged in peace talks with the government, while Vera's group continues attacks after a ceasefire suspension.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bogota 30% Central General Staff 40% El Retorno 40% Amazon ×250% Gustavo Petro 50% United States ×260% Venezuela ×460% Alexander Diaz Mendoza (Calarca Cordoba) 60% Nestor Gregorio Vera (Ivan Mordisco) ×270% Guaviare ×270% Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) ×280% Colombia ×390%

Keywords

rebel groups 90% clashes 80% colombia 80% cocaine production 70% farc 70% peace talks 60% guaviare region 60% armed conflict 50% internal disputes 40%