2024-11-09 18:50:00
BOGOTA (AP) — National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas began a new indefinite armed offensive in Colombia’s northwestern region on Saturday, restricting the movement of people.
The group’s action comes as local authorities in the region seek help to provide services to communities hit by flooding due to persistent rainfall.
The guerrillas warned of the measure two days ago, saying they were “fighting in the area” with the Clan del Golfo, a drug trafficking and paramilitary group operating in the area, in order to “protect the personal security of the people”. He noted that Choco Traffic was paralyzed on the San Juan, Sippi and Cajon rivers in the province.
Yuver Cuesta, a representative of the municipality of Istermina to which Chocó belongs, commented to Colombia W radio station on Saturday that the enforced and large-scale confinement has left communities unable to carry out daily activities in the countryside, store food or obtain medical care. Serve.
“Our communities demand calm and peaceful living,” city officials said, asking the government not to be stingy in seeking solutions to the armed conflict.
“These communities continue to serve as armed shields in the territorial dispute between the National Liberation Army and the Gulf tribes,” Nubia Córdoba, the governor of Chocó, posted on X (formerly Twitter) the day before one message claimed. He added that there could be no talk of “peaceful will” without taking action to respect the human rights of the community.
It was the third armed attack in this part of the Andean country so far this year. The previous two occurred in February and August.
The operation came days after government and guerrilla delegations met in Caracas to seek to restart peace talks. All parties agreed on the urgency of overcoming the crisis and establishing a new negotiation model. The next meeting is scheduled for November 19-25.
On Saturday, Governor Córdoba warned on the same social network that the situation in Chocó is “critical” due to the non-stop rains of the past 72 hours, which have affected 85% of the region, including 25 areas affected by strikes. Restricted. The governor requested immediate support from President Gustavo Petro.
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**Interview with Dr. Laura Vasquez, Expert on Colombian Conflict**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. Vasquez. Thank you for joining us today. We have some critical developments regarding the ongoing situation in Colombia with the ELN’s recent military actions. Can you provide us with some context on the current offensive?
**Dr. Vasquez:** Good evening, and thank you for having me. The ELN, or National Liberation Army, announced this indefinite armed offensive as a response to intensifying conflicts in northwestern Colombia—particularly clashes with the Clan del Golfo. Their aim seems to be both territorial control and asserting their influence in regions battling significant issues like flooding and the lack of basic services.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite concerning, especially considering the humanitarian context. What implications do you foresee for the affected communities?
**Dr. Vasquez:** Absolutely. This is a critical moment for those communities. The ELN’s actions may restrict vital movement and access to humanitarian aid. Local authorities were already struggling to manage the fallout from severe flooding, and the ongoing conflict exacerbates their capacity to provide essential services.
**Interviewer:** How might the government’s recent decision to resume military operations against the ELN factor into this situation?
**Dr. Vasquez:** The government’s military response could escalate tensions further. While they aim to regain control and ensure the safety of civilians, military operations often lead to increased violence and civilian displacement. It’s a delicate balance between authority and ensuring that humanitarian needs are met without provoking further conflict.
**Interviewer:** And what do you think the broader implications of this situation are for peace efforts in Colombia?
**Dr. Vasquez:** The resurgence of violence complicates ongoing peace negotiations. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the previous agreements made with various groups. With key armed factions like the ELN taking such decisive actions, it further exemplifies the challenges the Colombian government faces in achieving a lasting peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Vasquez, for your insights. As the situation develops, it’s clear that both the government and the communities in conflict zones face significant challenges ahead.
**Dr. Vasquez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to stay informed and continue discussing these matters, as many lives are at stake.
