Is FARC Becoming Active Again in Colombia?

Based on recent reports, the original FARC organization that signed the 2016 peace agreement remains demobilized. However, the security landscape is dominated by several armed groups, including dissident factions that rejected the peace deal. These groups are actively involved in violence, drug trafficking, and clashes with each other and state forces.

Active Armed Groups in Colombia

Group Name	Origin / Affiliation	Primary Activities & Status
FARC Dissidents (e.g., EMC, Segunda Marquetalia)	Splinter factions that rejected the 2016 peace deal.	Drug trafficking, illegal mining, extortion. These groups are involved in fragile peace talks with the government that have repeatedly broken down.
National Liberation Army (ELN)	Existing guerrilla group formed in the 1960s.	Clashes with FARC dissidents and state forces. This group is currently involved in peace negotiations with the government.
Gulf Clan (Gaitanist Self-Defense of Colombia - AGC)	Emerged from paramilitary groups demobilized in the mid-2000s.	Drug trafficking and other illegal economies. This group is also involved in government peace talks.

Recent Violence and Government Response

The ongoing activity of these groups has led to significant violence. In January 2025, the National Liberation Army (ELN) launched a series of attacks against the 33rd Front of the FARC dissidents in the Catatumbo region. This violence resulted in over 100 deaths and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. In response, the Colombian government declared a state of emergency and launched a major military offensive, "Operation Catatumbo," to regain control.

The Colombian military has also conducted airstrikes against FARC dissident camps. One such operation in the Guaviare province in late 2024 resulted in the deaths of 19 fighters, including members of a group led by the powerful dissident leader known as "Iván Mordisco." This demonstrates the government's continued military approach against groups that do not adhere to ceasefires.

The Stalled "Total Peace" Policy

President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" policy, which aims to negotiate with multiple armed groups simultaneously, has achieved limited results. While the government continues dialogues with groups like the ELN and the Gulf Clan, talks with FARC dissident factions have been particularly fragile.

The Estado Mayor Central (EMC), a major coalition of FARC dissidents, was part of negotiations, but the government ended its ceasefire with them in 2024 after the group repeatedly violated terms and continued its criminal activities.

How to Stay Updated: The security situation in Colombia remains fluid. For the most current information, you can monitor reports from International Human Rights Organizations, International News Outlets, and Official International Bodies like the United Nations.