Colombia: ELN Favors Rebel 'Union' to Counter Possible US Attack
The ELN, one of Colombia's largest armed groups, stated it would support uniting with other rebel organizations to repel any potential US military intervention in the country.
The head of the ELN, known as Antonio GarcĂa, assured AFP that if the issue is "to defend the homeland against a foreign invader," then "we will be in the fight."
Iván Mordisco, head of the largest dissident faction of the former FARC, proposed organizing a summit of rebel leaders to counter possible US intervention, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The ELN and the group under Iván Mordisco denounce a US plan to appropriate Colombia's natural resources. Together, the two factions number approximately 9,400 fighters, according to 2025 figures.
Following threats of US strikes, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump agreed to conduct "joint actions" against the ELN and meet at the White House on February 3.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the proposal to unite the rebels is due to the increasing "threat of deadly action" against them.
The Petro government's negotiations with the ELN were abandoned in January 2025 after attacks against dissidents of the former FARC.