Colombians flee as clashes between rebel groups escalate in coca-rich border region

Colombia called on neighboring Venezuela on Thursday to help tackle armed guerrillas blamed for a week of bloody violence that has displaced 40,000 people in the lawless border region. "I've been in contact with the current Venezuelan government," Colombian President Gustavo Petro said, floating a "joint plan to eradicate armed gangs on the border." Colombia is struggling to contain violence in the mountainous northeastern Catatumbo region, where a 5,800-strong leftist militia has targeted supporters of rival armed groups.