2024-08-06 08:09:44
August 3 marked the end of the truce with the National Liberation Army (ELN), and Defense Minister Iván Velásquez has given the green light for the Military Forces to resume their offensive operations against the insurgent group.
This decision comes after the expiration of the ceasefire decree, which had been in force for the past few months.
At a press conference, Velásquez reported that the Military Forces are already in motion to resume actions against the ELN, the last major guerrilla group in the country. The minister explained that the expiration of the decree, which was expected to be extended, has led to the reactivation of operations.
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Velásquez said: “Naturally, the absence of a ceasefire that implies the suspension of offensive operations means that these operations are resumed. This is the instruction of the General Commander of the Military Forces to all members of the forces, and also of the General Director of the National Police to all the Police of the country.”
It is worth mentioning that in a statement, the ELN set conditions for continuing with the ceasefire: “If it is in the Government’s interest to continue it, and taking advantage of the fact that its Dialogue Delegation has stated that ‘there is a presidential resolution that explicitly recognizes the political nature of the ELN and its status as a rebel armed organization,’ then the presidential decree will be made effective by removing the ELN from the list of GAOs. The ELN, knowing of this presidential decree, is preparing for its Dialogue Delegation to meet with the Government’s Delegation to evaluate the ceasefire and decide on its continuity.”
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