Cauca, Colombia—Three civilians died Wednesday after being caught in the crossfire during a clash between two armed groups in Cauca. The incident took place in a rural area where territorial disputes have intensified in recent weeks. Local residents were going about their daily activities when the gunfire erupted.

Witnesses stated that the exchange of fire lasted nearly an hour, forcing the entire village to seek shelter indoors. The victims were hit while attempting to flee the area to find a safer location. The armed groups involved did not issue a statement following the encounter.

Military forces arrived at the scene shortly after the violence ceased. They found the bodies of the victims near the edge of the community. Soldiers have established a temporary presence in the area to prevent further skirmishes and protect the remaining residents.

This tragedy highlights the worsening security situation in Cauca, where state presence is often limited. Humanitarian organizations have warned that non-state armed groups are increasingly encroaching on civilian life. This is the third violent incident reported in the department this month.

Local government officials are calling for an urgent security council meeting to address the rise in hostilities. They are concerned that the ongoing violence is causing mass displacement of rural families. Many residents are already packing their belongings to leave the region permanently.

The office of the ombudsman has started documenting the incident to assist with future legal proceedings. They are working to identify the specific groups responsible for the violence. No arrests have been made, as the perpetrators retreated into the dense mountainous terrain.

Family members of the deceased are preparing for funeral services while grappling with the trauma of the day. The local community has organized a peaceful protest for tomorrow to demand safety guarantees from the central government. The situation in the region remains highly unpredictable.

Authorities have cautioned residents to avoid traveling on secondary roads near the conflict zone. Military helicopters are currently conducting surveillance of the area to track the movement of the armed groups. The state of alert in Cauca has been raised to the highest level.