Colombia Clash Toll

At least 52 guerrilla fighters were reported killed in clashes between rival FARC dissident factions fighting for control of a cocaine production and trafficking region in Guaviare, southeast Colombia. Colombia's defense minister and army confirmed fighting but not the death toll, and troops were deployed to protect civilians days before a presidential election focused partly on armed-group strategy.

1. Frame 1Guaviare, Colombia: rival FARC factions force a government troop deployment after 52 reported deaths in a cocaine-route region.
2. Frame 2The clashes took place in jungle near Barranco Colorado, a village in southeastern Colombia's Guaviare department.
3. Frame 3The rival camps are linked to Nestor Gregorio Vera, known as Ivan Mordisco, and Alexander Diaz Mendoza, known as Calarca Cordoba.
4. Frame 4Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez and Colombia's army confirmed fighting, but neither gave an official death toll.
5. Frame 5Sanchez said troops were deployed to the area to protect civilians as the reported toll remained unverified.
6. Frame 6Next pressure point: Sunday's presidential election now tests competing plans for peace talks, ceasefires, and armed-group control.