# Armed conflict in Colombia's Catatumbo region > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/armed-conflict-in-colombias-catatumbo-region > Updated: 2026-08-18T01:30:55.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Catatumbo region in Colombia is experiencing intensified violence involving various illegal armed groups, including the ELN, FARC dissidents, paramilitary groups, Clan del Golfo, and ‘Las Pachencas’. Initial reports highlight military efforts such as ‘Operación Beta’, which targeted rural areas in Tibú and San Calixto to combat the ELN, resulting in the destruction of bunkers and the seizure of weapons and drones. This military activity, alongside clashes between dissident factions, has raised concerns from civil associations regarding the impact of bombings on civilians. Subsequent developments show that confrontations between these groups have triggered new waves of forced displacement. Families from rural sectors like La Enllanada and El Cauca have been fleeing toward urban centers such as Ocaña and districts in Río de Oro to seek humanitarian assistance. Local authorities have called for armed groups to exclude the civilian population from the ongoing fighting. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Catatumbo armed conflict triggers new wave of forced displacement Armed confrontations between illegal groups in the Catatumbo region have forced dozens of families to flee to Ocaña and other areas seeking humanitarian aid and protection. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catatumbo-armed-conflict-triggers-new-wave-of-forced-displacement ### 2026-08-13: Catatumbo conflict intensifies amid Colombian military operations Military operations in Colombia's Catatumbo region, including ‘Operación Beta’, target ELN and FARC dissidents amid ongoing violence and civilian displacement. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catatumbo-conflict-intensifies-amid-colombian-military-operations --- Cite as: Armed conflict in Colombia's Catatumbo region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/armed-conflict-in-colombias-catatumbo-region