Events in the war-torn region of Catatumbo have thrown into stark relief the difficulties which could arise from the disarmament and demobilisation of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc). Peasant farmers represented by the Asociación Campesina del Catatumbo (Ascamcat) blocked the passage of Farc guerrillas to a local camp out of deep concern that the Farc will leave a vacuum, which will be filled by paramilitary groups. The government announced the deployment of 2,200 members of the military and the police to Catatumbo, located in the north-eastern department of Norte de Santander. This will boost the presence of the security forces in Catatumbo to 8,500 personnel, the defence minister, Luis Carlos Villegas, said. End of preview - This article contains approximately 658 words.
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