ELN Declares Resistance Amid Colombian Government’s Military Offensive

The ELN guerrilla group in Colombia has vowed to resist a government military counteroffensive, warning that President Petro’s peace initiative is collapsing into total war. Clashes in the Catatumbo region since January have resulted in mass displacement and fatalities, prompting the government to deploy 10,000 troops in response. This resurgence of violence is closely linked to disputes over cocaine trafficking routes and territorial control, jeopardizing ongoing peace efforts.

Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) has declared its intention to resist a military offensive from the government, asserting that President Gustavo Petro’s initiative for “total peace” is deteriorating into increased conflict. The ELN, which has operated for over sixty years, is engaged in severe clashes with another armed faction in the Catatumbo area, leading to significant violence and instability.

Since January, these confrontations have resulted in the displacement of nearly 56,000 individuals and have caused at least 76 fatalities, marking some of the most severe violence Colombia has encountered since the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In response, President Petro’s administration has declared a state of emergency and dispatched 10,000 soldiers to reestablish order in the region.

Ricardo, one of the leaders of the ELN’s northeastern front, stated, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that.” He added, “If the military continues to arrive, most likely we will have a confrontation, because we are going to defend ourselves as an insurgent force,” warning that the situation is transforming from peace into “total war.”

The ongoing conflict is largely fueled by disputes over territory and control of lucrative cocaine trafficking routes into Venezuela. The ELN’s stronghold is pivotal for coca cultivation, a crucial component for cocaine production and drug shipments. Although authorities allege the ELN is directly connected with the Sinaloa Cartel, the group professes that it only imposes “taxes” on coca production within its territory to fund its activities.

This resurgence of violence jeopardizes Petro’s peace strategy designed to negotiate with remaining armed groups. Critics contend that dissident factions have exploited the government’s leniency to regroup and expand their operations, exacerbating instability in the region. Moreover, the recent violence underscores the fragility of Colombia’s peace efforts, as armed groups vie for control over illegal economies, with a staggering 420 percent rise in coca cultivation reported since 2012 by the United Nations.

While the ELN has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, its leadership is adamant about defending their territory, suggesting the potential for further hostilities. The government’s determination to restore authority points towards a protracted conflict in one of Colombia’s most unstable areas.

In conclusion, the situation in northeastern Colombia highlights the serious challenges facing peace efforts as the ELN prepares to resist government military action. Increasing violence, territorial disputes, and the control over cocaine trafficking routes indicate a troubling trend. The government’s response with military deployment may prolong conflict, further complicating the peace process initiated in prior years. Understanding these dynamics is critical for assessing Colombia’s path forward in terms of security and stability.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com