In recent weeks, Colombia has been grappling with an intensifying wave of violence that has taken a deadly toll on its northeastern region. The group behind the attacks, the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional, or ELN), has long been one of the country’s most notorious guerrilla organizations. Known for its involvement in drug trafficking, kidnappings, and bombings, the ELN’s resurgence in the northeast has left the government with little choice but to declare a state of emergency. This decisive move by Colombia’s president comes at a time of heightened tension and instability, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing the growing security threats posed by insurgent groups like the ELN.
The Context of the Attacks
The ELN, which has been active in Colombia since the 1960s, operates primarily in the rural areas of the country, especially in regions rich in natural resources such as oil and gold. Their operations often focus on extorting local populations, kidnapping for ransom, and attacking state institutions or security forces. However, the recent uptick in violence in the northeastern departments of Colombia, including Norte de Santander and Arauca, has pushed the ELN’s activities into the national spotlight once again.
Over the past several weeks, the ELN has launched a series of coordinated attacks against military and police stations, civilian targets, and critical infrastructure, including pipelines. These assaults have not only resulted in the deaths of numerous security forces but have also taken a heavy toll on local communities. Civilians have found themselves caught in the crossfire as the group intensifies its offensive in a bid to assert control over strategic territories.
One of the most devastating attacks occurred in early January 2025, when a bombing targeted a military convoy in the department of Norte de Santander, killing several soldiers and wounding others. The attack was followed by a string of smaller but equally deadly bombings and skirmishes with Colombian forces, leading to an escalation in violence that authorities are struggling to contain.
The Government’s Response
In response to the deadly attacks, Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, has announced his intention to declare a state of emergency in the affected areas. The decision comes after the government’s previous efforts to negotiate with the ELN and address the country’s broader security issues fell short. While the Colombian government has made attempts to engage the ELN in peace talks, particularly under the framework of Petro’s “total peace” policy, the recent escalation of violence suggests that diplomatic efforts alone may not be enough to bring the situation under control.
Petro’s administration has faced significant challenges in maintaining a balance between pursuing peace negotiations and combating the rise of violence from armed groups like the ELN, dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and various criminal organizations. The ongoing conflict with the ELN is a clear reminder of the fragility of peace in Colombia, where the legacies of decades of armed conflict continue to reverberate in the form of persistent violence and instability.
The state of emergency, which is expected to be officially declared in the coming days, will allow for increased military and police presence in the affected areas, as well as greater coordination between local authorities and national forces. This move is aimed at stabilizing the region, restoring security, and preventing further ELN-led assaults on civilians and government assets.
The ELN’s Motivation and Goals
The ELN’s resurgence is not merely a reaction to the government’s policies but also part of the group’s long-standing agenda. The ELN is ideologically rooted in Marxism and was originally formed with the aim of establishing a socialist revolution in Colombia. While the group’s tactics have evolved over time, its continued involvement in illicit activities such as drug trafficking and extortion has enabled it to maintain a significant financial base and operational capacity.
The northeast of Colombia is particularly important for the ELN, as it is home to valuable natural resources, including oil and coal. Control over these areas is critical for the group’s financing and logistical operations. The ELN has used violence and intimidation to exert influence over local populations, forcing them to pay extortion fees or provide support for the group’s activities. As such, the recent wave of attacks is likely a calculated effort to consolidate power in the region, intimidate the population, and send a message to the Colombian government about the ELN’s continued relevance and capabilities.
The ELN has also shown a willingness to engage in negotiations at times, but its use of violence often undermines any peace efforts. The recent attacks, especially the bombings targeting military and police stations, suggest that the group is not willing to back down in the face of government pressure, and instead aims to force the government to the negotiating table under more favorable terms for the ELN.
Humanitarian Impact
The toll of the ELN’s violent campaigns is not limited to the military or law enforcement. Local civilians are often the most affected by the ongoing violence. In addition to the physical harm caused by bombings and attacks, the violence has displaced thousands of people from their homes, particularly in rural areas where the ELN is most active. As families flee the violence, they are left with little access to basic services, and many are forced to seek refuge in overcrowded urban areas, placing immense strain on already fragile infrastructure and resources.
The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by the lack of state presence in many rural regions. For many Colombians living in conflict zones, the state’s inability to provide basic security and social services makes them vulnerable to exploitation by insurgent groups. The ongoing violence from the ELN and other armed factions perpetuates a cycle of fear, displacement, and hardship for these communities.
The Path Forward
As Colombia grapples with this new phase of violence, it is clear that the path to peace remains elusive. While the declaration of a state of emergency may help quell the immediate threats posed by the ELN’s attacks, it is unlikely to provide a long-term solution. A comprehensive strategy that includes both military action and diplomatic engagement with armed groups like the ELN will be necessary to address the root causes of violence and instability.
The Colombian government’s challenge is to balance its security response with efforts to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to the persistence of armed groups. The implementation of effective peacebuilding measures, such as reintegration programs for former combatants, improved state presence in rural areas, and addressing social inequality, will be crucial in reducing the appeal of groups like the ELN.
Ultimately, Colombia’s ability to secure lasting peace will depend on its ability to navigate the complex dynamics of armed conflict, drug trafficking, and political instability. The situation in the northeast serves as a stark reminder that the country’s journey toward peace is far from over, and that decisive action is needed to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision by Colombia’s president to declare a state of emergency in response to the deadly attacks by the ELN marks a critical turning point in the country’s ongoing struggle against insurgent violence. While the immediate response may help restore order in the affected regions, the long-term success of Colombia’s peace efforts will depend on a multifaceted approach that goes beyond military action. Addressing the root causes of violence, strengthening state presence, and pursuing meaningful negotiations with armed groups like the ELN are all vital components of a strategy aimed at achieving sustainable peace and security in Colombia. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government’s response can turn the tide in the northeast and pave the way for a more peaceful future for the country.