Colombia’s ELN Guerrilla Group Declares ‘Total War’ Against Government Offensive

The ELN has pledged to resist a military offensive by the Colombian government, indicating a shift from peace efforts to conflict. Intense fighting in the Catatumbo region has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. The violence is fueled by cocaine trafficking disputes, which challenge President Petro’s peace strategy and highlight the fragile state of Colombia’s security situation.

The National Liberation Army (ELN), a longstanding leftist guerrilla group in Colombia, has vowed to resist military actions from the government led by President Gustavo Petro. This declaration follows accusations that Petro’s peace initiative is escalating into renewed hostilities, particularly in the northeast region. Intense clashes in the Catatumbo area have resulted in significant fatalities and displacement since January, indicating a severe resurgence of violence not seen since the 2016 peace agreement with FARC.

In light of the escalating conflict, the government has implemented a state of emergency and deployed a substantial military presence, consisting of 10,000 troops, to regain control. Ricardo, a leader within the ELN’s northeastern war front, commented on the situation, stating, “Petro has declared war. We are not afraid of that.” He emphasized the group’s intent to defend themselves against the military’s advances, pointing out the paradox of Petro’s termed “total peace” devolving into “total war.”

The driving forces of the violence can primarily be attributed to territorial disputes regarding lucrative cocaine trafficking routes to Venezuela. The ELN’s domain is integral to coca cultivation—the precursor to cocaine—and serves as a critical access route to the Caribbean for drug shipments. While the authorities claim the ELN collaborates with the Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico, the group refutes these allegations and contends that they levy taxes on cocaine production to sustain their activities.

The current fighting poses a significant threat to President Petro’s peace strategy, which seeks negotiations with remaining armed factions. Critics contend that leniency displayed by the government has allowed dissident groups to reorganize and expand their criminal networks, exacerbating instability in the region.

With a reported surge of 420 percent in coca cultivation since 2012, as per United Nations statistics, the enduring power of armed groups illustrates the precarious nature of Colombia’s peace process. Although ELN leadership has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, they are adamant about protecting their territories, suggesting a trajectory toward heightened conflict as the government intends to reassert dominance in this volatile area.

In summary, the ELN’s commitment to resist government military actions highlights the complexities and challenges facing Colombia’s peace efforts. The ongoing violence, exacerbated by territorial and narcotics disputes, threatens to undermine negotiations intended to foster stability. President Petro’s strategy faces significant obstacles, raising concerns about the future of peace in Colombia as confrontations between armed groups intensify.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com