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Colombia military strikes ELN camps in Cauca and Nariño
Colombian military operations against the National Liberation Army (ELN) have resulted in significant casualties in the southwestern regions of Cauca and Nariño. In El Tambo, Cauca, an aerial strike targeted the ELN's Southwestern War Front, reportedly killing nine members. Among the deceased is Neftalí Riascos Alegría, known as ‘Marcos Pacífico’, a high-ranking commander of the José María Becerra front.
Simultaneously, a military bombing in the Nariño department targeted ELN positions, leaving at least eight people dead and resulting in the recovery of a minor. These operations are part of a broader offensive ordered by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office in August 2026. This marks the fifth aerial attack authorized by his administration, with total casualties from such operations estimated to exceed 40 to 60 individuals.
In a separate development, the Colombian Army seized ten tons of coltan in the Vichada department. The mineral, valued at approximately $3.8 million, was allegedly being prepared for illegal sale in Europe and Asia by the ELN's José Daniel Pérez Carreño block.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Cauca · Colombian Armed Forces · Colombian military · ELN · Estado Mayor Central · Nariño · National Liberation Army · Neftalí Riascos Alegría
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ELN's Southwestern War Front has increased its presence in the Nariño region. www.deia.eus · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The five aerial attacks ordered by the president have caused approximately 60 deaths. www.deia.eus · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] This is the fifth aerial attack ordered by President Abelardo de la Espriella. www.deia.eus · www.noticiasdenavarra.com · alairenoticias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Colombian military bombed ELN positions in Nariño. www.deia.eus · www.noticiasdenavarra.com · alairenoticias.com · elfrente.com.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] At least eight people died in the Nariño bombing. www.deia.eus · www.noticiasdenavarra.com · elfrente.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least ten bodies were found in the rural area of Tibú following clashes between the ELN and FARC dissidents. laopinion.co
- [● 5 SOURCES] Neftalí Riascos Alegría, alias ‘Marcos Pacífico’, was among the dead in the Cauca operation. diarioriente.com · www.elnuevodia.com.co · larazon.co · jornaldebrasilia.com.br · www.tvn-2.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Nine ELN members were killed in a bombing in El Tambo, Cauca. diarioriente.com · www.elnuevodia.com.co · larazon.co · jornaldebrasilia.com.br · www.tvn-2.com