The ELN rebels killed nine Colombians soldiers in a attack near the border with Venezuela on Wednesday threatens the ongoing peace negotiations between the two countries government and rebels.
the attack and one of the most dangerous in recent months, took place in rural area of El Carmen municipality in The Colombian province of Norte de Santander is important region for Coca cultivation and cocaine production.
Colombian President “summoned” government Peace negotiators after dawn attack.
Gustavo Petro in Tweet said offenders of the attack He was people “It is still very far from peace” after five months of negotiations with National Liberation Army.
The state’s first ever left-handed president’total Disclaimer of the attack And he called government negotiators for “advice” along with Guarantor countries.
The peace process must be serious and responsible towards Colombian society.
Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said Petro described the talks as “to discuss this very seriously event” he qualified as “a.” attack on Hello.”
Before of the meeting with Petro, Colombian peace commissioner Danilo Rueda won’t rule out Suspension of negotiations after events “Avoid building,” he said of Hello.”
“correct decisions it will be made for He told reporters, “.
Peace be upon you
Army Commander Helder Giraldo said soldiers She was patrolling one of The country’s largest oil pipelines, frequently targeted by the National Liberation Army.
They are not published in a offensive capacity.
Most of the soldiers He was young men in Their twenties are compulsory performance military service, officials said.
Geraldo said military Operations will be conducted in the area against Those responsible. “
Colombia has suffered more from half a century of Armed conflict between the state and various groups of leftRight-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers.
Fighting continued despite the peace agreement that saw FARC guerrilla warfare group disarm in 2017.
With the proceeds from the lucrative drug trade and other illegal businesses contested by armed groups, Indepaz research The institute reported nearly 100 massacres in Colombia last year.
the government Peace talks resumed with The National Liberation Army considered that last active guerrilla group in Columbia, after Petro took office last August vows to bringtotal Peace “for a country torn apart by violence.
talks with The NLA is suspended by Petro conservative His predecessor, Ivan Duque, after A car bomb attack on Police Academy in Bogota in 2019 it left 22 people dead.
The National Liberation Army participated in failed Negotiation with Colombia last Five heads.
‘Give up’
New Year’s Eve Petro announced A truce was agreed with The five largest armed groups in the country, including the National Liberation Army, from January 1 to June 30.
The others were two dissident factions of The now disbanded Gulf Clan Drugs Farc group and self-defense forces of Sierra Nevada, Right Wing Paramilitary organization.
However, the NLA promptly refuted any such deal, forcing government to undo.
Hostilities continued and the military reported several attacks on Its members are by the National Liberation Army.
Last September, FARC dissidents killed seven police officers in Central administration of Huila.
Many NLA fighters have them also They were killed and taken prisoner in military operations in recent months.
earlier this month, government The truce is suspended with The Gulf clan – the largest drug conglomerate in the country – over attacks on Civilians and uniforms personnel.
The Colombian opposition frequently criticizes the president for The concessions he is willing to make for Hello.
Comprehensive peace cannot mean surrender of Country ” criminal Petro’s defeated right-wing rival Federico Gutierrez said on Wednesday.
talks with The National Liberation Army was taken into custody in Caracas and Mexico City, with last round scheduled to take place in Cuba, although the date has not come yet announced.
And earlier this month, the two sides agreed to hold ceasefire talks as well.
was established in 1964 by trade Unionists and students inspired by the icon of the Marxist revolution Ernesto “Che” Guevara and the Cuban Revolution, interest ELN on About 3,500 fighters.
