An attack on a military base in eastern Colombia has resulted in the tragic deaths of two soldiers and left at least 21 others injured, according to Colombia's military. The incident has heightened tensions between the government of Colombia and one of the nation's largest remaining rebel groups.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) has been blamed for the attack by Colombia's military. President Gustavo Petro has strongly condemned the violence, hinting that this attack may lead to a suspension or cancellation of peace talks with the rebel group.
The ELN, which was founded in the early 1960s, had previously been engaged in peace talks with the Colombian government aimed at ending the long-standing conflict. However, the group ended a cease-fire in August and has since been involved in escalating hostilities.
According to the army, the attack involved the firing of homemade rockets from a cargo truck that was strategically parked near the military base in Puerto Jordan, located in Colombia's Arauca province.
The ELN, with an estimated 6,000 fighters in Colombia and Venezuela, funds its activities through drug trafficking and illegal gold mining. The group has been expanding its presence into rural areas previously controlled by other rebel groups.
President Petro, who initiated peace talks with the ELN upon taking office, has faced challenges as the group continued to engage in criminal activities such as kidnappings and extortion. The expiration of the cease-fire in August has led to a surge in attacks by the ELN on military targets and oil pipelines in Arauca province.
Colombia's defense ministry has pledged to respond with determination to restore security and stability in the region. The situation remains tense as the government evaluates its next steps in dealing with the ELN and addressing the ongoing violence.
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