Fri Jan 17 14:45:22 UTC 2025: ## Colombia Suspends Peace Talks with ELN Rebels After Deadly Attacks

**Bogota, Colombia** – Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the suspension of peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group, citing recent attacks in the Catatumbo region as war crimes. The decision follows a series of violent incidents, including the killing of at least five demobilized FARC rebels by ELN fighters on Thursday. The ELN also targeted a FARC dissident faction, the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), currently engaged in separate peace negotiations with the government.

The attacks have prompted widespread condemnation. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN representative in Colombia, called for an end to the violence and stressed the importance of protecting civilians. Al Jazeera reported significant displacement, with over 70 families fleeing the Catatumbo region due to the escalating violence. The level of violence, according to Al Jazeera, is unprecedented in the region in recent years.

President Petro stated that the ELN has demonstrated a lack of commitment to peace, leading to the suspension of dialogue. While a six-month truce and peace process were initiated last year, clashes have repeatedly disrupted negotiations, which were previously suspended in September following another deadly ELN attack.

The Catatumbo region has long been a battleground for various armed groups vying for control of drug trafficking routes and other illicit activities. The renewed violence highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in Colombia, despite President Petro’s “total peace” initiative launched in 2022. Human Rights Watch has previously documented serious abuses against civilians by armed groups and the inadequate response from security forces.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has reiterated his call for a new ceasefire with a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure the safety of affected communities. The future of peace negotiations with the ELN remains uncertain following this latest setback.

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