Escalating Violence: ELN Attack on Puerto Jordán Military Base in Colombia
On September 18, a devastating attack on the Puerto Jordán military base in Arauca, Colombia, resulted in the tragic deaths of two soldiers and left 26 others injured, according to Defense Minister Iván Velásquez. The attack, attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN), marks a significant escalation in violence and raises serious concerns about the ongoing peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the guerrilla group.
Minister Velásquez condemned the attack as an "execrable" act, stating that it reflects the ELN's lack of commitment to peace. The deceased soldiers, identified as Bayron Correa and Julián Patiño, were honored by President Gustavo Petro, who visited the wounded at a military hospital in Bogotá. The Defense Ministry emphasized that the Colombian military forces will respond with full force against the ELN, underscoring the government's stance on the continuation of military operations.
This incident comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions, as the ELN has intensified its attacks on military targets since opting not to renew a ceasefire that had been in place earlier this year. President Petro remarked that this attack "closes the peace process in blood," indicating a grim outlook for future negotiations. The ELN, which has been active since 1964 and is estimated to have around 5,800 members, has now jeopardized its historic opportunity for dialogue with the government.
General Luis Emilio Cardozo, head of the Colombian army, described the attack as cowardly, noting that improvised explosive devices were used in the assault. Following the attack, several injured soldiers were transported to medical facilities in Arauca and Bogotá for treatment. The Colombian government is now faced with the challenge of reassessing its approach to peace talks with the ELN in light of this violent incident.
