Petro Confirms ELN Airstrike in Catatumbo, Kills Seven Guerrillas
Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed on May 12 that he personally ordered an airstrike against a National Liberation Army (ELN) camp in Tibú, Norte de Santander, executed in the early hours of May 11. The operation resulted in the deaths of at least seven ELN members belonging to the central command’s security ring. This action marks a significant doctrinal shift from Petro’s 'Total Peace' policy, as he explicitly stated that armed groups controlling illicit economies are excluded from peace negotiations. Petro emphasized that the strike was conducted in coordination with the Venezuelan government, highlighting binational counter-narcotics cooperation. He also rejected criticisms from Prosecutor General Luz Adriana Camargo regarding the operation's legality, accusing the ELN of crimes against humanity in the Catatumbo region. This event represents the third high-precision military operation against the ELN in three months, signaling a hardening stance against guerrilla groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion despite ongoing diplomatic channels for other factions.
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