Overview

On Monday, December 11,⁤ 2023, Colombian President Gustavo ​Petro ordered the Army to ‌launch⁣ attacks against the National Liberation Army‌ (ELN) guerrilla group. This decision followed the ELN’s calls for civilian confinement ⁣in‌ several Colombian cities, ostensibly to prevent interference with planned “military exercises.” The ELN’s ⁢actions effectively imposed a 72-hour ⁢armed strike, restricting civilian movement and raising safety concerns. Reuters reports that this escalation marks a notable shift in ‍the government’s approach to peace negotiations with the ELN.

The ELN’s Confinement orders

The ELN issued directives ‌calling‍ for the ⁢population in areas⁢ under its control ‌to ⁤remain ‍indoors for 72 hours. The stated reason was to prevent civilians from being caught in the crossfire during planned military exercises by the guerrilla group. However, authorities ⁢and citizens viewed‌ this ‌as an attempt to exert control and intimidate the population.​ Infobae details the widespread concern and disruption caused by these orders.

The police reported that the confinement orders were causing significant disruption to daily life and posing a risk to public safety.The ELN’s actions were widely condemned ​by political‍ leaders and civil ​society organizations.

President​ Petro’s Response

In response to the ELN’s actions, President ⁢Petro ordered the armed forces to “attack” the ​guerrilla group. This directive signals a hardening ‍of the government’s stance towards the ELN and a departure ‌from previous efforts to pursue a negotiated settlement. El Tiempo reports that Petro ‌emphasized the need to protect the population ⁣and uphold the rule of⁢ law.

the president’s⁣ decision comes after​ months of stalled peace talks with the ELN. Negotiations had‌ been aimed at achieving a complete peace agreement, but disagreements ⁢over key issues, such as demobilization and transitional justice, had hampered progress.

Background: The ELN and Peace Negotiations

The national Liberation⁤ Army (ELN) is⁤ a left-wing guerrilla group that has been active⁢ in Colombia for over half a‌ century. Founded in 1964, the ELN has engaged in a long-running armed conflict with the Colombian government, marked by violence, kidnappings, and‍ attacks on infrastructure. ⁤ The Council on Foreign Relations provides a⁢ comprehensive overview ⁣of the‌ ELN’s history and objectives.

previous attempts to negotiate a peace agreement with the ELN have failed. The current round of ‍talks, initiated by the Petro administration, had raised hopes for a breakthrough, ‍but the recent escalation of violence has cast doubt on the prospects for a peaceful