The Colombian High Commissioner for Peace appreciates the ELN’s gesture as it helps ensure that these attacks do not go unpunished.
MADRID, 26 May. (EUROPEAN PRESS) –
The Northeast War Front of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack against Police in the municipality of Tibú, in Colombia’s Norte de Santander region, that killed two police officers and a civilian. .
“The latest action took place in Norte de Santander, the municipal capital of Tibú, on May 24, when units affiliated with the War Front activated a mine in the path of the National Police patrol,” he said this Friday. According to the newspaper ‘El Tiempo’.
The ELN also regretted the death of a civilian who died in the attack, which was carried out in response to a “threat” by the Police and Army in the area, although their actions were “not intended to produce these conditions.” “.
According to Blu Radio, ELN guerrillas continue to face offensive operations by the Colombian Armed Forces and narco-paramilitary structures against regions in different parts of the country.
Later, Peace High Commissioner Danilo Rueda pointed out that the confirmation of the attack by the ELN was a “act of responsibility” that served to “clarify the situation”. “There will be time and judicial scenario for these events to be sanctioned,” he said.
According to Colombia’s RCN Radio channel, the High Commissioner for Peace said, “At least this recognition is an advance against many phenomena that have gone unpunished from the beginning because no one attributed them to them.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the “act of terrorism” on Wednesday. “An armful of solidarity for the families of the victims of this heinous act. This crime will not go unpunished,” he said.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Londoño, the former commander of the extinct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and head of the Comunes Party, the political arm of the guerrilla, also expressed his condolences to those affected.
Likewise, Rueda condemned the explosion: “This incident creates an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, unlike the peacebuilding that is being carried out on Catatumbo territory,” he said.
The Colombian Government and ELN delegations agreed the previous day to extend the third cycle of peace talks, which began on the island of Cuba in early May, until 8 June. The government and guerrillas resumed talks in Caracas in November 2022 as part of the “total peace” plan announced by President Gustavo Petro.
Source: Noti Merica
