Abelardo de la Espriella assumes Colombian presidency with pledge to fight ELN guerrillas
Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has taken office pledging a military crackdown on ELN guerrillas, who are actively preparing for renewed conflict.
Abelardo de la Espriella has officially taken office as Colombia's president, promising a renewed military offensive against armed insurgent groups across the country. During his inauguration, de la Espriella vowed a hardline campaign against rebel organizations that have fueled decades of internal strife.
In response to the political shift, members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) are reportedly preparing for a return to open warfare. Guerrilla fighters in remote jungle regions have begun mobilizing troops and reinforcing camps in anticipation of stepped-up government attacks. The rapid escalation marks a severe setback for regional stability, signaling a tense new chapter in Colombia's 62-year-old armed conflict.
Sources: France24, The Guardian.