Colombia’s newly appointed defense minister has made a strong commitment to confront the ELN guerrilla group along the country’s border with Venezuela, expressing a determination to reclaim territorial control in the region. In an interview with AFP, Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized that the military will employ “the legitimate full force of the state” to defend its citizens against what he characterized as a significant threat posed by the insurgents.
The ELN, known for its guerrilla tactics and involvement in the narcotics trade, currently occupies a significant area near the Venezuelan border, leading to the displacement of approximately 56,000 individuals. This ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region, with many locals caught in the crossfire between the military and insurgent forces.
Sanchez’s comments follow a recent declaration from ELN commanders, who warned that the government’s anticipated counteroffensive could escalate into a “total war” after years of efforts towards achieving “total peace.” The defense minister, however, dismissed the ELN’s characterization of themselves as a legitimate insurgency, labeling them instead as a “narco-criminal group.”
In addition to prioritizing the confrontation with the ELN, Sanchez outlined plans to regain control over a major coca-growing territory in southern Colombia, an area that has effectively become a microstate under the influence of the Estado Mayor Central, a faction within the ELN. Acknowledging the complexities and challenges inherent in reclaiming these territories, Sanchez stated, “It’s a wicked problem, but we will achieve it.”
He also recognized that the path to restoring order and security may demand significant sacrifices, suggesting that the journey could involve hardships and emotional tolls. “We’re going to have to make a lot of sacrifices, we’re even going to have tears, but in the end, we’re going to achieve it,” he remarked, signaling unwavering resolve as Colombia navigates this turbulent chapter in its struggle against insurgency and narcotrafficking.
