New developments in Colombia's military campaign deployed along the border with Venezuela

The Colombian government army is trying to weaken the National Liberation Army (ELN) armed group with a military operation deployed in the Arauca region along the border with Venezuela.

The conflict between the Colombian government army and the ELN armed group is witnessing a major turning point. (Source: International Crisis Group)

On June 27, Colombian Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez announced that the country's army had killed six members of the ELN armed group in a military operation deployed in the Arauca region along the border with Venezuela.

In early June 2023, the Colombian government and ELN leader Antonio García signed a six-month bilateral ceasefire agreement.

After the Colombian government delegation and the ELN concluded the third round of peace talks in the Cuban capital Havana, the agreement was signed under the witness of Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The two sides agreed to implement the ceasefire in stages, starting from August 3. However, this military campaign was carried out by the Colombian Army just one month before the agreement officially took effect.

Mr García has recently cast doubt on the Colombian government’s ability to comply with the agreement. On his Twitter page, the ELN leader accused the government of launching military action against the ELN in areas where the armed group has been active for decades.

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