Colombia: Military base attacked in Norte de Santander Feb. 28

Event

An armed attack against a military base in the Convención municipality of Norte de Santander department was carried out late on Wednesday, February 28. One soldier was reportedly killed and four others were wounded. It is currently unclear which group was behind the assault. However, the attack comes one day after suspected ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) militants ambushed a military convoy in El Astilleros, also in Norte de Santander department, killing five soldiers and wounding ten others.

Both areas are located relatively close to the border with Venezuela, which members of the ELN and crime groups (e.g. Los Pelusos) have been using as a safe haven amid the country’s sociopolitical and security breakdown. At least seven massacres - defined as the killing of several people in a single incident - were reported in the border region in the first two months of 2018.

Context

The ELN - the country's last remaining rebel group following the demobilization of the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) - 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. Since then, a wave of violent attacks has been carried out. The ELN has announced that it will carry out a unilateral ceasefire March 9-13, to coincide with the legislative elections taking place on March 11; nevertheless, violent attacks remain possible during this period.

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups, some governments advise their nationals against travel to various parts of the country, including parts of Norte de Santander.