# ELN violence in Catatumbo region

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eln-violence-in-catatumbo-region
> Updated: 2026-09-10T22:04:23.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The Guamalito police station in El Carmen, Norte de Santander, has been targeted in a series of attacks attributed to the ELN guerrilla group. An initial attack occurred on September 4, followed by a second assault on September 7.

By September 10, the substation was completely destroyed through the use of explosives and drones, rendering the facility uninhabitable. The violence led to the helicopter evacuation of at least 21 police officers, leaving the strategic area without a security presence. This vacuum has triggered the displacement of local residents toward Ocaña, Cúcuta, and Bucaramanga. 

Government ministers are traveling to the Catatumbo region to address the crisis, noting that the area is a critical intersection for illegal gold mining, fuel trafficking, and ELN-linked narcotics operations.

## Claims

- The ELN guerrilla group attacked the Guamalito police substation using drones and explosives. (single source)
- Recent attacks by the ELN resulted in the complete destruction of the police station. (single source)
- At least 21 police officers were evacuated from Guamalito via helicopter. (single source)
- The evacuation has left the population of Guamalito without police or army presence. (single source)
- Residents have begun displacing to Ocaña, Cúcuta, and Bucaramanga due to fear of attacks. (single source)
- The region is a convergence point for illegal gold, the ELN, and fuel trafficking for drug trafficking. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Guamalito police station destroyed by ELN drone and explosive attacks

The ELN guerrilla group destroyed the Guamalito police station in Norte de Santander using drones and explosives, leading to the evacuation of 21 officers and the displacement of local residents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guamalito-police-station-destroyed-by-eln-attacks

### 2026-09-07: Guamalito police station attacked for second time in three days

The Guamalito police station in Norte de Santander, Colombia, suffered its second attack in three days, allegedly by the ELN, amid rising violence in the Catatumbo region.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guamalito-police-station-attacked-for-second-time-in-three-days

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Cite as: ELN violence in Catatumbo region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eln-violence-in-catatumbo-region