19 Aug 2019 | 09:08 PM UTC
Colombia: ELN fighters ambush military patrol near Aguiachica August 18
ELN fighters ambush military patrol, kill soldier near Aguiachica (Cesar department) August 18; further attacks possible over coming weeks
Event
Suspected National Liberation Army (ELN) guerillas attacked security forces near Aguiachica (Cesar department) on Sunday, August 18. Local sources claim ELN fighters ambushed the soldiers during a patrol, killing at least one and wounding two others.
Further clashes between ELN militants and security forces are possible in the region over the coming weeks.
Context
Peace talks between the government and the ELN, which has conducted an ongoing armed insurgency since the 1960s, were put on hold after President Ivan Duque assumed power in 2018. President Duque has previously said he will only resume negotiations with the ELN once the group ceases all attacks and releases all hostages.
Advice
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, including the Venezuelan border region.
