Thousands have fled clashes between armed groups on the border with Venezuela, dashing hopes of peace in Colombia.

More than 8,000 civilians fled the violence, with many seeking shelter in government facilities or hiding in the mountains.

The death toll from attacks by a rebel group in Colombia's Catatumbo region has risen to 60, the country's human rights office has said. Rival factions have been vying for control of the cocaine trade in the region - which sits near the border with Venezuela - for years.