Colombia Halts Peace Talks with ELN After Attack on Military Base

Colombia’s government has suspended peace negotiations with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group following an attack on a military base that resulted in the death of two soldiers and more than two dozen injuries. The attack, attributed to the ELN, took place near the border with Venezuela in Arauca province, where explosives were detonated at the army base.

President Gustavo Petro’s efforts for “total peace” have suffered a setback with the suspension of peace talks, as the ELN has intensified attacks on military targets since August. The decision to halt negotiations signals a shift back to military operations against the rebels, with plans to reissue arrest warrants for the top ELN commanders believed to be in Venezuela and Cuba.

Despite the government’s call for a clear display of peace from the ELN, there has been no immediate response from the rebel group. The attack has dealt a significant blow to the peace process, emphasizing the challenges involved in achieving lasting peace in Colombia’s longstanding internal conflict.

dvv/jsi (AFP, Reuters)

[ad_2]

Source link