Colombia: Oil pipeline attack in Norte de Santander January 9 /update 1

Event

Suspected ELN militants carried out two bombing attacks against the Caño Limón-Coveñas oil pipeline on Wednesday, January 9, in the La Pesquera and Las Bancas area of Norte de Santander province. No casualties were reported during the attacks. A similar attack was reported in Campo Giles (Tibu municipality) on Friday, January 4.

Context

Attacks against the Caño Limón-Coveñas oil pipeline were reported November 12 and 22. Throughout 2018, at least 89 attacks against pipelines were reported in Colombia. The Caño Limón-Coveñas is Colombia's most important pipeline, with a daily transportation capacity of 210,000 barrels.

Advice

Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including organized crime groups, drug cartels, right-wing militias, and local gangs, in addition to the ELN - some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, including the Venezuelan border region.