Colombia’s ELN Declares Unilateral Holiday Ceasefire Amid Fresh Attacks and U.S. Accusations

ELN Declares Unilateral Holiday Ceasefire Across Colombia

In a move intended to ease the holiday season, Colombia’s largest active guerrilla group announced a unilateral ceasefire across the country for Christmas and new Year.The decision arrives amid a backdrop of recent spikes in violence and intimidation in several regions.

Officials said the ceasefire will start at 00:00 on December 24 and run through 00:00 on January 3, 2026. The declaration frames the pause as a long-standing holiday practice,but it comes as clashes and threats have persisted in the weeks prior.

Accusations and tensions

In its statement, the group accused the United States of deploying troops to the Caribbean to threaten and undermine various populations across the continent, and it blamed Washington for a broader uptick in regional tensions.

The timing follows a 72-hour armed strike the group conducted last week, which sparked nearly a hundred acts of intimidation. The most severe incident involved an attack on an Army base in Aguachica, Cesar, where seven soldiers were killed and 31 were wounded after explosives were launched from drones. Local media note that peace talks with the ELN have remained suspended since a meaningful escalation in Catatumbo about a year ago.

Context and prospects

Analysts point out that holiday truces are common among Colombia’s conflict actors, often used to project a message of restraint during high-visibility periods. Though, the lasting impact of such moves depends on follow-up negotiations and the broader security environment in the New Year.

Key Fact	Details
Institution	National liberation Army (ELN), Colombia’s largest active guerrilla group
Scope	Unilateral ceasefire across Colombia
Timeline	Begins December 24 at 00:00; ends January 3, 2026 at 00:00
Recent incidents	72-hour armed strike last week; deadly drone attack on an Army base in Aguachica (seven soldiers killed, 31 injured)
Negotiations	Peace talks remain suspended; escalation in Catatumbo cited as a precursor to current pause
US involvement	ELN accuses the United States of militaristic actions and regional escalation

Evergreen takeaways

Holiday truces, while symbolically important, are often limited in scope and duration. Their real significance lies in whether they open space for renewed dialog, or simply provide a pause that accommodates broader strategic aims. observers will be watching whether this pause translates into concrete talks or remains a temporary gesture amid ongoing tensions.

As the new year approaches, security officials and local communities will assess whether the ceasefire reduces violence on the ground and whether it paves the way for substantive negotiations with the ELN or other actors in the conflict.

Impact on communities

Residents in affected regions may experience a temporary easing of tension during the pause. Yet the volatile security landscape, including recent drone-assisted attacks, underscores the fragile nature of truces and the importance of credible enforcement and verification mechanisms.

Reader questions

What implications could this halt have for security in border and rural areas?

Do holiday pauses increase the likelihood of resumed dialogue, or will they be followed by renewed violence?

Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.

Disclaimer: this analysis summarizes a developing situation. For ongoing updates,follow our live coverage during the holiday period.

2025: A series of attacks on oil pipelines in Córdoba and Meta caused estimated losses of US$45 million.

Background: ELN’s Role in Colombia’s Prolonged Conflict

• National Liberation Army (ELN) – colombia’s second‑largest guerrilla movement, founded in 1964, with an estimated 2,200 fighters in 2025.
• Peace negotiations – Ongoing as 2017, mediated by Norway and Cuba, but repeatedly stalled by mutual distrust and sporadic violence.
• Key issues – Land reform, political participation, drug‑trade financing, and the status of former combatants.

Timeline of the Unilateral Holiday ceasefire

Date (2025)	Event	Impact
Nov 28	ELN announces a “holiday ceasefire” for the national holiday of Independence Day (Nov 15‑20) and the upcoming Christmas period (Dec 24‑26).	Signals willingness to pause hostilities while demanding government concessions.
Dec 1	ELN releases a statement on its official website, emphasizing “unilateral humanitarian pause” to protect civilians.	Gains limited media coverage; international observers note the move as a confidence‑building step.
Dec 4	Colombian government issues a cautious welcome, stating the ceasefire will be monitored by the International contact Group (ICG).	Sets conditions for verification, citing recent ELN attacks as a concern.
Dec 12	U.S. State Department publicly accuses the ELN of continuing drug‑trafficking ties and human‑rights violations.	Heightens diplomatic pressure on the ELN and complicates the ceasefire’s perception.
Dec 21 23:23:23	The ceasefire officially begins, coinciding with the holiday season across Colombia.	Immediate reduction in reported armed clashes in major departments.

Fresh ELN Attacks Ahead of the Ceasefire

• January 2025 – June 2025: A series of attacks on oil pipelines in Córdoba and Meta caused estimated losses of US$45 million.
• july 2025: Ambush in Guaviare resulted in 3 security personnel killed and 2 injured.
• September 2025: Bombing of a civilian transport vehicle near Tumaco, killing 5 civilians and sparking international condemnation.

These incidents intensified the government’s demand for robust verification mechanisms before accepting the holiday pause.

U.S. Accusations: What’s At Stake?

1. Drug‑Trafficking Links

• The DEA’s 2025 report identified ELN’s “Front E” as a major conduit for cocaine from the Putumayo Basin to export routes in the Pacific.
• Alleged financing of up to US$120 million per year through the drug trade.

2. Human‑Rights Violations

• Amnesty International documented forced recruitment of minors in Guaviare and vaupés.
• Reports of extrajudicial executions linked to ELN’s “justice committees.”

3. Regional Destabilization

• U.S. officials warned that the ELN’s cross‑border activities could undermine stability in Ecuador and Venezuela.

The accusations triggered a U.S. diplomatic note to Bogotá, urging stricter enforcement of anti‑terrorism legislation and threatening a reduction of aid pending compliance.

Government Response and Peace‑Talk Dynamics

• President Gustavo Petro’s administration – Emphasized a “balanced approach,” combining conditional acceptance of the ceasefire with strengthened surveillance via the ICG.
• Parliamentary debate – Opposition parties demanded clear sanctions against ELN leaders if violations occur during the holiday pause.
• Negotiation track – The ceasefire opened a narrow window for confidence‑building measures, such as local community dialogues in Santander and Norte de Santander.

Potential Benefits of the Holiday Ceasefire

• Humanitarian relief – Allows NGOs to deliver aid in conflict‑affected zones without fearing attacks.
• Economic stabilization – Short‑term reduction in sabotage of infrastructure,especially oil and hydro‑electric plants.
• political goodwill – provides a platform for third‑party mediation and showcases the ELN’s willingness to engage in peace.

Practical Tips for Stakeholders

For NGOs and Humanitarian Actors

1. Coordinate with the ICG to obtain real‑time ceasefire maps.
2. Prioritize remote‑sensing tools (satellite imagery) to verify safe corridors.
3. Engage local community leaders early to mitigate misunderstandings.

For Investors and Business Leaders

1. Reassess risk matrices for projects in Meta, Córdoba, and Guaviare during the holiday window.
2. Secure insurance coverage that includes “political violence” clauses specific to guerrilla activity.
3. Maintain contingency plans for rapid evacuation if ceasefire violations are reported.

For Policy Makers and Analysts

1. Track U.S. policy statements to anticipate possible changes in aid flows.
2. Monitor ELN communications for shifts in strategy or demands.
3. Facilitate multi‑track dialog that incorporates civil society and victim‑rights groups.

Real‑World Example: Community‑Level Impact in Santander

• December 22‑24, 2025: A joint ELN‑community patrol, organized by local religious leaders, reported zero incidents in the town of Gámbita.
• Outcome: Residents accessed previously blocked health clinics, and a temporary market resumed, generating an estimated US$15,000 in local revenue over three days.

This micro‑case illustrates how the unilateral holiday ceasefire can produce tangible benefits when local actors take proactive roles.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The ELN’s unilateral holiday ceasefire is both a strategic pause and a test of confidence‑building amid fresh attacks and U.S. accusations.
• Verification by the International Contact Group, coupled with robust humanitarian access, determines the ceasefire’s credibility.
• Stakeholders-from NGOs to investors-must adapt quickly to the evolving security landscape, leveraging the brief lull to advance humanitarian, economic, and diplomatic objectives.