ELN rebels blamed for attack on military base, escalating tensions and threatening peace talks in Colombia.
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia issued a stern warning following an attack on a military base by the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels in Arauca province. The deadly attack killed two soldiers and injured over 20, prompting Petro to declare that the incident has jeopardized the ongoing peace negotiations.
The ELN, with an estimated 6,000 fighters, is a prominent player in Colombia’s decades-long conflict that has claimed over 450,000 lives. Despite efforts to establish peace, including a ceasefire agreement that ended in August, tensions remain high as the rebel group continues to engage in violent activities.
President Petro, known for his left-wing policies, had reinitiated talks with the ELN in hopes of achieving lasting peace. However, ongoing issues such as kidnappings and civilian extortion have hindered progress. The government’s engagement with a splinter ELN unit has further strained relations, leading to the resumption of military operations against the rebels.
The future of peace talks hangs in the balance as both sides struggle to find common ground and address longstanding grievances.
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