Colombia’s ELN Guerrilla Declares Resistance Amidst Government Military Offensive
The ELN guerrilla group has pledged to resist Colombia’s government military efforts, claiming President Petro’s peace initiative is failing. Ongoing violence in northeastern Colombia has resulted in significant displacement and fatalities. Consequently, the government declared a state of emergency and deployed troops, while the ELN maintains its defensive stance amidst territorial disputes over cocaine trafficking routes.
The National Liberation Army (ELN), a long-standing leftist guerrilla group in Colombia, has vowed to resist government military actions, claiming that President Gustavo Petro’s initiative for “total peace” is deteriorating into intensified conflict. The ELN has been involved in significant clashes against rival armed factions in the Catatumbo border region, leading to severe humanitarian impacts, with nearly 56,000 displaced and at least 76 fatalities since January. This violence represents some of the worst since the 2016 peace deal with FARC.
In light of the escalating violence, the Colombian government has responded by declaring a state of emergency and deploying 10,000 troops to restore order in the affected areas. ELN leader Ricardo stated, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that” and emphasized their intention to protect their territory. He criticized the peace initiative as morphing into a state of “total war,” indicating their commitment to defend themselves against military incursions.
The ongoing clashes are largely influenced by territorial disputes related to cocaine trafficking routes leading into Venezuela. The ELN controls significant coca production areas, which serve as key transit points for narcotics heading to international markets. While authorities allege the group’s links to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, the ELN refutes direct involvement in drug trafficking, maintaining they impose taxes on local producers to fund their activities.
The resurgence of violence jeopardizes Petro’s peace negotiation efforts with remaining armed groups. Critics point out that factions benefiting from the government’s leniency have harnessed the opportunity to reorganize and amplify their illicit operations, resulting in increased instability. The United Nations reports a 420 percent surge in coca cultivation since 2012, underscoring the ongoing challenges Colombia faces.
Despite expressing a willingness to engage in peace talks, ELN commanders assert their resolve to defend their positions amidst the increasing tension. The Colombian government, determined to reestablish authority, signals the potential for a prolonged conflict.
The ELN’s commitment to resist government military efforts highlights the precarious situation in Colombia, where territorial and drug-related conflicts continue to undermine peace initiatives. With significant displacement and violence resulting from these clashes, the effectiveness of President Petro’s peace strategy is in question. The intertwined issues of cocaine trafficking and armed conflict persist in challenging the stability of the region, necessitating urgent and strategic responses from the government.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
