Colombia: Suspected ELN attack in Putumayo October 5

Event

A bomb attack caused crude oil from the Transandino pipeline to leak into the Guamues River in the southern department of Putumayo on Saturday, October 5. The attack took place in Orito municipality; no casualties were immediately reported as a result of the blast.

As of Sunday, October 6, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, National Liberation Army (ELN) dissidents are active in the region and regularly attack oil infrastructure. Further attacks are possible in Putumayo in the near term.

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.