Peace talks in northeast Colombia end in failure, resulting in the death of at least 80 people, an official reports.

Over the weekend, more than 80 people were killed in the country's northeast due to the government's unsuccessful efforts to negotiate with the National Liberation Army, according to a Colombian official.

On Sunday, as Colombia's army scrambled to evacuate people, 20 others were injured in the violence that forced thousands to flee in North Santander, where many of the killings occurred, according to Governor William Villamizar.

According to a report released by a government ombudsman agency on Saturday, community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven individuals who attempted to negotiate a peace agreement were among the victims.

At least three people involved in peace talks were kidnapped in several towns in the Catatumbo region, which borders Venezuela, officials stated.

Many individuals are escaping the region, some taking refuge in the surrounding green hills or turning to government-run safe havens.

"Juan Gutiérrez, who fled with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibú after being caught in the crossfire, said, "We had no time to grab our things. We are helpless here. I hope the government remembers us.""

On Sunday, Colombia's army saved numerous individuals, including a family and their dog, which the owner kept cool by holding a pack of cold water against its chest during evacuation via helicopter.

On Sunday, Defense Minister Iván Velásquez visited the northeastern town of Cúcuta and called on armed groups to disarm.

"Guaranteeing the security of communities and saving lives is our top priority," he stated. "Our troops have been deployed across the entire region."

Officials planned to distribute 10 tons of food and hygiene supplies to about 5,000 people in Ocaña and Tibú communities, who had fled violence.

"Villamizar stated in a public address on Saturday that Catatumbo requires assistance. "Boys, girls, young people, teenagers, and entire families are arriving with nothing, riding trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, and even on foot to avoid becoming victims of this confrontation," he said."

Peace talks between Colombia and the ELN were suspended on Friday for the second time in a year, resulting in an attack.

The Colombian government has requested that the ELN halt its attacks and permit authorities to enter the area to deliver humanitarian assistance.

"The crisis is worsening in the North Santander region, according to José Trinidad, a municipal official for the town of Convención. Displacement is causing harm to the community."

Trinidad urged insurgent groups to negotiate a new agreement to prevent further harm to civilians.

The ELN and former FARC members are currently clashing in Catatumbo over control of a strategic border region with coca leaf plantations.

The ELN stated on Saturday that it had previously warned former FARC members that if they continued attacking the population, their only option was armed confrontation. The ELN has accused ex-FARC rebels of several killings in the area, including the January 15 murder of a couple and their 9-month-old baby.

Gen. Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría, the army commander, stated on Saturday that authorities were strengthening the humanitarian corridor between Tibú and Cúcuta to ensure the safe passage of those displaced from their homes. He added that special urban troops were deployed to municipal capitals where there are risks and a lot of fear.

The ELN has attempted to negotiate a peace deal with the administration of President Gustavo Petro five times, but talks have failed each time due to outbreaks of violence. The ELN's demands include recognition as a political rebel organization, which critics argue is dangerous.