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Colombia military warns ELN and FARC leaders are hiding in Venezuela
Colombian military and police leadership have issued warnings regarding the presence of high-level guerrilla leaders within Venezuelan territory. General Erick Rodríguez, Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces, stated that the entire leadership of the National Liberation Army (ELN) is currently hiding in Venezuela, including figures such as Antonio García, Pablo Beltrán, Silvana Guerrero, and Pablito. Rodríguez characterized the ELN as a transnational terrorist organization that is expanding its influence toward the Amazonas state and the border with Guyana.
Additionally, officials identified leaders of the Segunda Marquetalia, a FARC dissident group, as being present in Venezuela, specifically naming Iván Márquez. General Jesús Alejandro Barrera, Director of the National Police, noted that these commanders have transitioned from rural jungle camps to urban environments to live more clandestinely and comfortably.
In response to these security challenges, the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella has emphasized a hardline security policy. This includes increased military operations, which have resulted in significant drug seizures and numerous arrests during the first month of his term. Colombian officials have suggested the possibility of international coordination, including potential support from the United States, to address these cross-border security threats.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Colombia · ELN · Erick Rodríguez · Jesús Alejandro Barrera · Luis Alfonso Escobar · Nariño · Segunda Marquetalia · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Iván Márquez and the Segunda Marquetalia group are located in Venezuela. comunicacioncontinua.com · primeraedicioncol.com · diariodelhuila.com · curadas.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The entire leadership of the ELN is currently hiding in Venezuela. comunicacioncontinua.com · primeraedicioncol.com · diariodelhuila.com · curadas.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, causing significant casualties and damage. elveedordigital.com · risaraldahoy.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities have seized 49,379 kilograms of narcotics since August 7. laopinion.co · www.eje21.com.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] Seven members of the Franco Benavides FARC dissident front were killed in Nariño. larazon.co · laopinion.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Guerrilla leaders have moved from rural camps to urban areas in Venezuela for greater comfort. primeraedicioncol.com · curadas.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Since August 7, 2026, Colombia has recorded 14,914 arrests. laopinion.co · www.eje21.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Colombian Ombudsman's Office criticized the President for appearing to compete with criminals in displays of cruelty. www.larepublica.ec