Colombia: Oil pipeline attack in Arauca March 4

Event

Suspected ELN militants carried out a bombing attack against the Caño Limón-Coveñas oil pipeline on Monday, March 4, in the Saravena municipality (Arauca province). No casualties were reported during the attack. A similar attack was reported against the pipeline in Saravena on Thursday, February 28.

Context

Authorities have recorded at least nine attacks against the Caño Limón-Coveñas oil pipeline in 2019, including six in Arauca and three in Norte de Santander provinces. 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.