The Colombian government has suspended peace negotiations with the left-wing National Liberation Army, ELN, following intense fighting in the country’s northwest.
The decision came after clashes between the ELN and a splinter group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, rebels in the Catatumbo region, which resulted in over 30 deaths.
“What ELN has done in Catatumbo are war crimes,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on X, “the dialogue with this group will be terminated; ELN does not want peace.”
The Colombian government has been engaged in peace talks with the ELN for years, but negotiations are frequently halted following major attacks by the rebels. The group has around 5,000 armed fighters and is involved in kidnappings, drug trafficking, and extortion.
Colombia experienced a 52-year-long civil war involving left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries, and the army. The conflict led to the deaths of 220,000 people and displaced millions.
FARC, the largest rebel group, signed a peace deal with the Colombian government in 2016 and has since disarmed.
However, despite improved security since the agreement, some areas of Colombia remain under the control of illegal groups.
