Neo-paramilitary group Aguilas Negras (Black Eagles) has issued pamphlets in Colombia’s northeastern Arauca department, announcing to join the war between army and left-wing FARC and ELN guerrillas, local newspaper Notillano reported Monday.
The pamphlets, distributed Monday in parts of Arauca, said measures would be taken “to protect the region and the community” against left-wing rebel attacks.
“If they want war they will get war, if they want death they will get it. If they want flowing blood, they will have it,” said the message, apparently aimed at the FARC and ELN units active in the region.
The neo-paramilitary group imposed a curfew on the population “to avoid innocent deaths.”
According to Notillano, locals are terrified that the announced interference of the neo-paramilitaries will lead to renewed violence between left-wing guerrillas and right-wing paramilitaries.
The oil-rich Arauca used to be home to the “Vencedores de Arauca” until the group’s demobilization in 2005 and has seen a high level of guerrilla violence, mainly targeted at the growing local oil industry and military presence, over the past few years.