On 16 March 2025, in Tibu (Norte de Santander), armed individuals with rifles shot at a man in the Barco neighborhood and injured another. Minutes later, the same individuals shot and killed another man near the first scene. According to authorities, the perpetrators are suspected ELN members who were searching for a member of a rival group and suspectedly targeted the wrong victims, killing two individuals who were not their intended targets. 2 fatalities.

Summary

On March 16, 2025, ELN armed group members killed 2 civilians in a mistaken attack while searching for rival group members in Tibú, Norte de Santander Department, Colombia. Violence between armed groups continues near the Venezuelan border, creating a high-risk situation.

Supply-chain impact

• Norte de Santander Department is a border region with Venezuela where crude oil and petroleum product transport routes are concentrated, and increased regional violence negatively impacts overland transport network stability
• The Tibú area is an active zone for coca cultivation and illegal mining, and strengthened activities by armed groups like ELN raise concerns about disruptions to legitimate mineral extraction and agricultural production
• Deteriorating security in border areas may lead to suspension or detour of overland logistics operations by Colombia-Venezuela transport companies
• Restrictions on personnel movement in the region and increased security costs for production facilities are expected to reduce manufacturing efficiency

Watch points

• Need to track whether conflicts between ELN and rival armed groups expand and trends in government military response operation intensification
• Monitor closure of major transport routes or issuance of detour orders within Norte de Santander Department
• Confirm situations of Venezuelan border checkpoint operation suspensions or logistics delays