08 Nov 2024 | 05:45 PM UTC
Colombia: National Liberation Army guerrilla group to enforce indefinite armed shutdown in the Choco Department from Nov. 9
Guerrilla group to enforce armed shutdown strike in Choco Department, Colombia, starting Nov. 9. Transport, business disruptions likely.
The guerrilla group National Liberation Army (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, ELN) plans to impose an indefinite shutdown strike under force of arms in areas of the Choco Department starting 00:01 Nov. 9. The purpose of the action is to pressure government military forces in the area to leave following an alleged recent escalation in operations. The move will impact the Middle San Juan river region, areas near the San Juan, Sipi, and Cajon rivers, and central and southern Choco Department. ELN leadership has warned local residents to comply with the group's directives in order to avoid any incidents.
This is the latest such shutdown that the ELN has enforced in Choco Department. During previous similar actions, the group forced businesses to suspend operations and ordered most civilians to remain inside their residences. Clashes between ELN members and the Colombian military are likely.
Avoid any travel to Choco Department, especially the area affected by the ELN shutdown. If in the area, strictly heed the instructions from authorities.
The armed shutdown was announced despite attempts to resume the peace negotiations between the ELN and President Gustavo Petro's administration. Representatives of both sides met in Caracas, Venezuela, in early November, more than one month after their latest meeting. The negotiations had been suspended in mid-September, following an attack by the ELN against a military base in the Arauca department, in which three soldiers were killed.
