Colombia's President Gustavo Petro Warns ELN Rebels Will Face Military Action Amid Rising Violence

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that the military will take action against the National Liberation Army (ELN) following a series of attacks in the northeast. These attacks have resulted in numerous deaths and displaced thousands. "The ELN has chosen the path of war, and that's what they will get," Petro declared on X, accusing the group of engaging in drug trafficking and likening their tactics to those of Pablo Escobar.

Petro, who was once part of a guerrilla group himself, initiated peace talks with the ELN in 2022. He had promised during his campaign to demobilise the rebels within three months of taking office. However, negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over disarmament and economic reforms. The ELN has criticised the government for negotiating separately with another group in the southwest and has continued to kidnap civilians and extort businesses.

Violence in Catatumbo

Last Friday, Petro halted negotiations after violence intensified in Catatumbo, a region producing about 15% of Colombia's coca crop near Venezuela's border. The ELN, with around 6,000 fighters, reportedly attacked civilians they accused of collaborating with a rival group, FARC-EMC. This led to street shootings and rural firefights between both groups' members.

Antonio García, an ELN leader, stated on Monday that their organisation does not target civilians but focuses on former rebel fighters now aiding FARC-EMC. Despite this claim, thousands fled Catatumbo towns over the weekend fearing for their safety. Among those fleeing were former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia members who demobilised under a 2016 peace deal but are now targeted by the ELN.

Humanitarian Crisis Looms

The Colombian Human Rights Ombudswoman reported on Sunday that approximately 11,000 people have been displaced due to the recent violence in Catatumbo. These individuals are currently seeking refuge in shelters located in Tibu, Ocaña, and Cúcuta. Local officials have raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis as a result of this displacement.

The governor of Norte de Santander Department, where Catatumbo is situated, stated that at least 80 people have died since last week's fighting began. Sandra Tijaro shared her experience of fleeing her village on Friday after armed men ordered everyone to leave. She is now residing with her children at a shelter in Tibu.

"We want the armed groups to think about the welfare of rural folks," Tijaro expressed. "We are hard-working people who end up carrying the burden of this conflict." The 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces led to 11,000 fighters demobilising but left power vacuums in rural areas that smaller rebel groups have sought to fill.