Six Injured as ELN Blamed for Series of Explosions Near Venezuela Border
Guerrilla fighters carried out four coordinated bomb attacks overnight in Colombia’s restive northeast region, injuring six people and heightening concerns over the country’s fragile peace process.
Authorities have attributed the attacks to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a leftist guerrilla group with a strong presence in the Norte de Santander department.
The incidents occurred after the Colombian government suspended peace talks with the ELN last month.
Explosions Target Key Sites
A car bomb severely damaged a toll booth outside Villa del Rosario city, while additional explosives detonated at police stations in Villa del Rosario and neighboring Cúcuta, according to police commander General William Quintero.
Local government sources confirmed that six people sustained injuries in the attacks.
Peace Efforts in Jeopardy
The resurgence of violence threatens President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” initiative, which aims to end Colombia’s six-decade armed conflict.
Analysts have warned that the country’s security situation has deteriorated under Petro’s leadership, as military offensives against armed groups have been scaled back.
President Petro, elected in 2022, has faced repeated breakdowns in peace negotiations.
Talks with the ELN have collapsed several times, mirroring the pattern of failed negotiations with previous governments.
ELN Offensive Displaces Thousands
Last month, the ELN launched an offensive in the Catatumbo region, targeting rival factions and civilians suspected of sympathizing with them.
The violence has left over 50 people dead and forced around 50,000 residents from their homes, prompting the government to suspend peace talks with the group.
Political Instability Compounds Crisis
The attacks come amid a growing political crisis in Colombia.
President Petro recently asked his entire cabinet to resign, citing ineffectiveness.
Among those who stepped down was Defense Minister Iván Velásquez, now replaced by Air Force General Pedro Sánchez.
Adding to the turmoil, Petro claimed on Monday that “big mafias,” including the ELN, were plotting to down his presidential plane using missiles.
As Colombia grapples with renewed violence and political instability, the path toward lasting peace remains uncertain.
