08 Jan 2019 | 05:47 PM UTC
Colombia: Oil pipeline attack in Norte de Santander January 4
Suspected ELN militants attack oil pipeline in Norte de Santander province on January 4 disrupting the Caño Limón-Coveñas pipeline
Event
Suspected ELN militants carry out a bombing attack against the Caño Limón-Coveñas oil pipeline on Friday, January 4, in Campo Giles (Tibu municipality, Norte de Santander province). No casualties were reported during the bombing but the incident led to severe disruption to the pipeline and resulted in environmental contamination.
Context
Similar attack 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.
