Colombia’s ELN Guerrilla Group Threatens ‘Total War’ Amid Government Offensive
The ELN has vowed to resist the Colombian government’s military offensive, warning that President Petro’s peace initiative is unraveling into renewed conflict. The violence, driven by struggles over cocaine trafficking territories, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. Despite indications of a willingness to negotiate, the ELN’s leadership asserts their commitment to defend their positions, foreshadowing an extended confrontation in the region.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) of Colombia has announced its intention to resist a military offensive launched by President Gustavo Petro’s administration in the northeastern region of the country. This development raises concerns that Petro’s “total peace” initiative may devolve into an intensification of conflict, particularly amidst ongoing clashes with rival armed groups in the Catatumbo area, which have resulted in significant civilian displacement and fatalities since January.
Violence in the Catatumbo region has had devastating effects, displacing nearly 56,000 individuals and causing at least 76 deaths, as reported by government statistics. This represents some of the most severe violence Colombia has encountered since the peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016. In response to these escalations, the government has declared a state of emergency and mobilized 10,000 troops to restore order.
Ricardo, a leader of the ELN’s northeastern front, has articulated the group’s resolve, stating, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that.” He further emphasized their commitment to self-defense as an insurgent entity, warning, “If the military continues to arrive, most likely we will have a confrontation.”
The violence is primarily fueled by territorial disputes and the competition for control over lucrative cocaine trafficking routes into Venezuela. The region remains a vital production zone for coca, which serves as the primary ingredient for cocaine, while also acting as an essential transit point for drug shipments destined for global markets.
Although the Colombian authorities have alleged cooperation between the ELN and the Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico, the ELN refutes direct connections with drug trafficking but admits to levying “taxes” on cocaine production within its territory to fund its military activities. The resurgence in violence poses a significant threat to President Petro’s ambition for a negotiated peace with remaining armed factions.
Concerns have emerged that dissident groups may exploit the government’s leniency to reorganize and expand their criminal activities, thereby increasing instability in the region. The ongoing violence underscores the precariousness of peace-building efforts in Colombia, especially with a reported 420 percent rise in coca cultivation since 2012, according to United Nations data.
Despite the ELN’s professed willingness to engage in dialogue, its leadership maintains that they will vigorously defend their territory, heightening the likelihood of continued hostilities. The Colombian government appears resolute in its objective to reclaim control, preparing for a prolonged conflict in one of the nation’s most unstable areas.
In summary, the ELN’s declaration of resistance against the Colombian government’s military actions signals a potential escalation of conflict in the region. As violence persists, the implications for President Petro’s peace initiative grow increasingly severe, casting doubt on the sustainability of negotiations with armed groups. The situation remains critical as both sides prepare for further confrontations amidst ongoing struggles for control in the lucrative cocaine trade.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
