At least 52 guerrillas killed in clashes between rival armed groups in southeastern Colombia

Bogota, Colombia. At least 52 guerrilla fighters were killed in clashes between two rival armed groups competing for territorial control in a strategic cocaine production and trafficking region in southeastern Colombia, a FARC faction involved in the fighting said on Thursday.

Clashes in Guaviare

The fighting took place in the jungles of the department of Guaviare, near the village of Barranco Colorado, and was described by the group as the most violent in recent months.

Official response

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed on social media that fighting had taken place in the area, as did the Army, but neither provided details on the number of dead. Sanchez said troops had been deployed to the area to protect the civilian population.

Groups involved

Reuters was unable to independently verify the reported death toll of 52. The clashes were between a dissident FARC faction led by Nestor Gregorio Vera, known as Ivan Mordisco, and another led by Alexander Diaz Mendoza, known as Calarca Cordoba.