Colombia: ELN militants assault plane in Cesar department Jan. 31

Event

Suspected militants associated with the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group assaulted a small private plane shortly after it landed at Hacaritama Airport (SKAG) near Aguachica, Cesar department, on Wednesday, January 31. The assailants held the pilot and crew at gunpoint and stole approximately COP 2 billion (USD 720,000) in cash. After stealing the money, the militants seized control of the plane and took off without the crew; the plane was found in a rural area near Aguachica by authorities, but without any sign of the assailants.

Context

The ELN - the country's last remaining rebel group following the demobilization of the FARC - is believed to have some 2000 fighters spread out over the departments of Nariño, Arauca, Boyacá, Norte de Santander, La Guajira, Cesar, Bolívar, Casanare, Santander, Chocó, Cauca, and Putumayo, particularly in rural zones. Peace talks have been ongoing since February 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to monitor developments to the situation. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, and local gangs in addition to the ELN - some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country.