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Colombia Orders Offensive as ELN ‘Armed Strike’ Turns Deadly in Cali

The rebels say the lockdown protests U.S. military moves in the region.

Members of the guerilla group ELN, seen here in 2023, are the target of a new order from Colombian President Gustavo Petro

Overview

  • Colombian police say two officers in Cali were killed when a roadside bomb hit their motorcycle patrol during the ELN’s campaign.
  • President Gustavo Petro said security forces are ordered to attack the ELN and urged Colombians to continue holiday activities without fear.
  • The ELN declared a 72-hour “armed strike” through 6 a.m. Wednesday, telling civilians to stay home and pressing shops and transport to close.
  • Colombia’s human rights ombudswoman reported attacks on an army base in Arauca and a police station in Norte de Santander, with an ambulance driver killed during the latter clash.
  • The group frames the action as a response to U.S. naval deployments and maritime strikes under President Donald Trump, a rationale the government’s peace delegation condemned as misdirected with talks already suspended since January.