Colombian Armed Forces Resume Operations Against ELN Rebels After Ceasefire Ends

Colombia has resumed military operations against the National Liberation Army (ELN) after a six-month ceasefire ended. The move follows halted peace talks and the resumption of kidnappings by the ELN. Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez and the government are focusing efforts on maintaining security and negotiating peace.

Colombia's armed forces have relaunched operations against the leftist rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), following the conclusion of a six-month ceasefire, Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez announced on Monday.

The six-month truce between the government and the ELN ended on Saturday, prompting a series of renewed military activities. Under President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first left-wing leader, peace negotiations had resumed in late 2022 as part of the administration's comprehensive peace policy aimed at resolving the nation's six-decade conflict, which has claimed over 450,000 lives.

Velasquez stated that offensive operations have been ordered by the military and national police commanders. Peace talks stalled recently, and the ELN resumed kidnappings - a key revenue source for the group - signifying the return of some of the conflict's most dreaded elements. Past negotiations had failed primarily due to the ELN's radical demands and lack of unified command.

(With inputs from agencies.)