Colombia: ELN attack in Saravena August 3

Event

At approximately 20:30 (local time), on Friday, August 4, members of the ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) attacked a Colombian military position near Los Colonizadores Airport (RVE) in Saravena (Arauca department). According to reports, several explosions were heard. It is unclear if the attack resulted in any casualties. Further clashes between the ELN and security forces are possible in Arauca in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The ELN - one of the country's last remaining rebel groups following the demobilization of the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) - is believed to have around 1500 fighters in Colombia.

Advice

Individuals in or planning travel to Colombia are advised to keep abreast of the situation. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups - including drug cartels, right-wing militias, local gangs, and the ELN guerrilla group in addition to ex-FARC dissidents - Western governments generally advise against travel to various regions of the country, most notably most border areas on the frontiers with Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama.