18 Dec 2018 | 12:55 AM UTC
Colombia: ELN rebels announce Christmas truce Dec. 23-Jan. 3
Colombia’s ELN rebels call for a 12-day truce from December 23 to January 3, 2019; risk of violence and kidnapping remains
Event
Colombia's ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) rebels announced a 12-day unilateral ceasefire on Monday, December 17, to be in effect from Sunday, December 23, to Wednesday, January 3, 2019. In the announcement, the ELN also reconfirmed its desire for peace talks. Despite the announced truce, there remains a risk of violence and criminal activity, including kidnapping and extortion, in areas of ELN control.
Context
Similar truces are common around Christmas. The ELN - one of the country's last remaining rebel groups following the demobilization of the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) - is believed to have around 1500 fighters in Colombia.
Advice
Individuals in Colombia, particularly in areas of known ELN influence, are advised to monitor the situation and remain vigilant for militant and criminal activity.
