After Trump Call, Colombia’s Petro Turns Up Heat on Far-Left Armed Group

Following a call from President Trump, Colombian President Gustavo Petro is increasing pressure on the National Liberation Army (ELN), a far-left group accused of drug trafficking. Petro threatened joint military action with Venezuela if the ELN doesn't join the peace process and leave Venezuela. This shift reflects pressure on Latin American leaders to target groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S., potentially facing unilateral action if they don't comply. The Trump administration considers itself in armed conflict with designated drug cartels, including the ELN, despite the ELN's denial of drug trafficking and presence in Venezuela. The ELN, originally a Catholic-Marxist group, is believed by experts to have turned to cocaine trafficking in the 1990s.

Following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and fears of U.S. intervention, a leader of Colombian insurgents, Ivan Mordisco, has called for Latin American guerrilla groups to unite against the United States. Mordisco urged rival factions, including the National Liberation Army (ELN), to set aside their differences and form a "super guerrilla" alliance. The appeal comes after decades of conflict between groups over territory and drug routes. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded by calling for cooperation with Venezuela to dismantle drug-trafficking guerrillas. Reports of a potential joint military operation involving the U.S., Colombia, and Venezuela have also emerged, raising the possibility of dismantling the ELN.