Colombia: ELN attacks close oil pipeline for 38 days as of February 16

Event

The National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional; ELN) has ramped up attacks on the Caño Limón-Coveñas oil pipeline in recent weeks. According to the Colombian military and Ecopetrol, the attacks have suspended operations through the pipeline for 38 days as of Friday, February 16.

ELN militants have launched 12 attacks on the pipeline in 2018, according to media reports on Friday; the latest attack on the pipeline occured on Thursday, February 15, in Toledo municipality (Norte de Santander department), causing an oil spill. Additional ELN attacks on infrastructure are possible in Norte de Santander department and elsewhere in Colombia in the coming weeks.

Context

The ELN - one of the country's last remaining rebel groups following the demobilization of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia; 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 between the ELN and the Colombian government began in February 2017, but Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos ended negotiations with the group in mid-January 2018 after ELN militants renewed attacks on military forces and infrastructure.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the presence of several 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.