Colombia Halts Peace Talks with ELN Following Deadly Violence

President Gustavo Petro suspends negotiations after ELN attacks leave nearly 40 dead in two days, escalating the nation's ongoing conflict.

The Colombian government suspended peace talks with the ELN after two days of violence resulted in nearly 40 fatalities, including civilians and combatants.
ELN guerrillas clashed with FARC dissidents in Catatumbo and the Clan del Golfo cartel in Córdoba, with attacks reportedly targeting civilians and rival factions.
Authorities reported over 30 deaths and 20 injuries in Catatumbo, where territorial disputes over drug trafficking routes have intensified violence.
Human rights advocates accused the ELN of committing war crimes, including targeted killings and displacing families in the contested regions.
The suspension of talks marks another setback in President Petro's efforts to end decades of armed conflict through dialogue with various armed groups.