Colombia's Catatumbo: more than 300 people flee fighting

More than 300 people from Tibu and El Tarra have fled Catatumbo and are sheltering in Cúcuta, officials said. Authorities report border crossings in Cúcuta have not increased significantly; further developments are unclear.

More than 300 people have left Colombia's Catatumbo region and are sheltering in the border city of Cúcuta, officials said. The Human Rights Ombudswoman reported the displaced people come from the municipalities of Tibu and El Tarra, where fighting between rebel groups resumed in December. The government deployed tanks and troops to Cúcuta after a U.S. raid in neighboring Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Border authorities say daily crossings have not risen notably since those events. Key points: - More than 300 people from Tibu and El Tarra have been displaced and have sought shelter in Cúcuta, according to the Human Rights Ombudswoman. - Colombian authorities deployed tanks and troops to Cúcuta following a U.S. raid in neighboring Venezuela that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro's capture, officials report. - The director of Colombia's National Immigration Service said foot traffic along the border has remained around 60,000 people entering and leaving Cúcuta each day and has not increased significantly. Summary: The reported displacement follows renewed clashes in parts of Catatumbo and has brought people to shelter in Cúcuta. Authorities say cross-border flows have not shown a notable increase since the events in Venezuela. Undetermined at this time.