News|Donald TrumpColombia’s ELN rebels prepare for battle amid Trump ‘intervention’ threatELN conducts military drills, orders civilians indoors, as Trump warns drug-producing nations face potential attack.
The National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's largest remaining rebel group, has instituted a three-day stay-at-home directive for civilians within its controlled territories. This measure is in response to perceived threats from the United States. The…
The National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's largest remaining rebel group, has instituted a three-day stay-at-home directive for civilians within its controlled territories. This measure is in response to perceived threats from the United States. The directive, which started on Sunday, restricts civilian movement on major routes and rivers as the group conducts military exercises.
Colombia's Defense Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has dismissed the ELN's directive as coercive, affirming that government forces will maintain their presence across all strategic areas including mountains and jungles.
Escalating Tensions with the United States
The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Colombia. Recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump have threatened military actions against countries involved in cocaine production and exportation to the U.S.
The Trump administration has recently imposed sanctions on Venezuela, targeting individuals and oil-related entities, as part of broader measures to pressure the Venezuelan government. Concurrently, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying a large aircraft carrier and additional troops.
This measure is in response to perceived threats from the United States.
The bilateral relations between Colombia and the United States have faced significant strain, with the U.S. imposing personal sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and removing Colombia from its list of reliable counter-narcotics partners.
The ELN, comprising approximately 5,800 fighters, controls key drug-producing regions in Colombia. Despite attempts at peace negotiations, including recent discussions with President Petro's administration, no successful resolution has been reached. The group continues to derive significant income from narcotics trafficking.
There are concerns that further U.S. military interventions in the region could provoke broader armed responses across Latin America, as suggested by senior ELN members. Human rights organizations and some political entities have criticized recent U.S. military actions as unlawful.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.