But unlike other turf wars between illegal groups, the violence in Sur de Bolívar now forms part of a transnational campaign that begins deep in Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela. The conflict in Sur de Bolívar is a stark reminder of what happens when peace initiatives falter and the state retreats. “The violence was predictable,” believes Manuel Berrío, Security Secretary for the Bolívar department. “We urge all illegal armed groups to immediately cease actions that endanger the lives, integrity, and dignity of the civilian population,” the Ombudsman’s Office said Monday in a statement. Colombia’s Defence Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has promised to increase military deployments in Sur de Bolívar and reopen critical road access.