The Marine Corps of the Colombian Navy eliminated the camp of the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN / ELN) in the western department of Valle del Cauca – as a result of the operation, nine militants were eliminated, one infantryman died of injuries, according to a statement on the website of the Ministry of Defense.
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“Members of this organized crime group noticed the military personnel and opened fire on them. As a result of the armed confrontation, nine members of the ANO were killed … A professional marine who was injured during the operation was evacuated to a medical center in the port of Buenaventura, where he received medical assistance, but, unfortunately, he passed away,” the Colombian Navy said in a statement.
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According to the Ministry of Defense, the ANO cell controlled and charged other groups for drug trafficking in the area. Their presence was the reason for the forced relocation of local residents.
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During the operation, seven rifles, a machine gun and a shotgun, as well as ammunition were seized.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the end of 2022 announced a bilateral ceasefire from January 1 to June 30. However, then the rebels said that they did not reach an agreement with the authorities, but only agreed to discuss a ceasefire during the next round of peace talks.
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Colombia has been in a state of armed conflict for more than half a century, during which time more than 262 thousand people have died, millions have left their homes.
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The radical left “Army of National Liberation” consists of several thousand people. It is the second largest armed rebel organization in the country after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Colombia, the US and the EU classify ANO as a terrorist organization. Members of the ANO, after President Gustavo Petro came to power last year, initiated a peace process with the government.
