Colombian President issues ultimatum, ELN terrorists threaten attacks
New Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the end of peace talks with the ELN. The organization responded that it is prepared for large-scale attacks across the country, refusing to disarm without fundamental political changes.
Colombia is facing a new chapter in its six-decade-long armed conflict. The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on Friday, has pledged to end peace talks with the terrorist organization ELN and launch a new military operation against it.
The commander of the organization's Western Front, identifying himself as "Yerson," told The Guardian that his forces are prepared for any scenario.
"Wherever we can go on the offensive, we will do it," he said.
According to him, if the leadership orders a large-scale military attack, it will include "attacks in cities, rural areas, and everywhere."
Founded in 1964, the ELN was, alongside FARC, one of Colombia's central guerrilla organizations. Adhering to Marxist-Leninist ideology, it has carried out murders, kidnappings, and violence for decades. The USA, Canada, Colombia, Peru, and the European Union define it as a terrorist organization.
In Israel, the ELN is known for the 2003 kidnapping of 15 travelers in the "Lost City" area, including six Israelis. Eight of the hostages, including four Israelis, were held captive for 75 to 101 days before being released following local negotiations.
In 2016, FARC signed a peace agreement and disarmed, but the ELN refuses to follow suit. Yerson stated that members will only lay down their arms after a fundamental change in the country's political and economic system. "FARC surrendered in exchange for nothing," he claimed.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro, elected in 2022 with a promise of "total peace," held contacts with major guerrilla and criminal groups, but most talks collapsed.
De la Espriella has given armed groups one month to surrender, warning of consequences. He also pledged to deepen security cooperation with the USA and construct large prisons inspired by the model implemented by El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele.
According to security estimates, the ELN has strengthened in recent years, currently numbering about 6,300 activists operating in Colombia and Venezuela.
When asked if the election of a right-wing president signals the organization's loss in the ideological struggle, Yerson rejected the claim entirely: "The ideological struggle is not lost; we are on the right side of history."
