Colombia ELN implicated in protection leaks and anniversary violence

A video circulated online, attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN), accuses some bodyguards of the National Protection Unit (UNP) of passing information on protected individuals to the ELN, the Gulf Clan and dissident FARC groups. Authorities have not confirmed the claims, and the UNP has not issued a statement. If true, the alleged leaks could endanger social leaders and signatories of the peace agreement.

During the ELN’s 62nd anniversary, the Defensoría del Pueblo reported a surge of armed harassment, explosive attacks and forced displacement across eight Colombian departments. Incidents included an attack on a police station in Risaralda, drone‑delivered explosives in Chocó, the display of ELN flags in Pereira and Dosquebradas, a non‑detonated grenade in Cali, and the displacement of about 70 families (over 200 people) in Cauca. The agency condemned the actions as violations of international humanitarian law and called for urgent humanitarian assistance and strengthened protection for civilians.