Breaking: Colombia and United States Announce Joint Actions Against ELN; Venezuelan Diplomacy Moves forward
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Bogotá — In a rapid turn of events, Colombia’s president and the United States’ president agreed to pursue coordinated actions against the ELN, the guerrilla group operating along the Colombia–Venezuela border. The deal emerged after their first phone conversation, as tensions had spiked following U.S. strikes in Caracas, the detention of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, and threats of broader intervention in Colombia.
In the call, President Gustavo Petro accepted an invitation to meet President Donald Trump at the White House. The leaders also pledged to conduct joint operations against the ELN, a commitment confirmed by Interior Minister Armando Benedetti during a Blu Radio interview.
Venezuela diplomacy on the regional agenda
The Petro government announced that Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela, will visit the Colombian capital of Bogotá, though a date has not been disclosed.
Benedetti said Petro briefed Trump on Rodríguez’s planned visit and offered himself as a mediator to facilitate communication between Washington and Caracas. Colombia also reaffirmed maduro’s successor as interim president.
Following the call, the mood between Bogotá and Washington was described as one of relief and calm, though there was no sense of triumphalism. An official from the foreign ministry told AFP that the key word remains caution.
| Event | Details | Date/Timing |
|---|---|---|
| First phone call | Petro and Trump discuss de‑escalation and potential joint actions against ELN; Trump invites Petro to White House | Jan. 7, 2026 |
| Joint actions against ELN | Commitment to coordinate actions against the ELN | announced Jan. 8, 2026 |
| Delcy Rodríguez visit | Interim Venezuelan president to visit Bogotá; date to be persistent | To be scheduled |
| Mediation offer | Petro offers to mediate between washington and Caracas | January 2026 |
| Maduro’s interim status | Colombia recognizes Maduro’s interim successor | January 2026 |
Evergreen insights: what this means for the region
Analysts view the development as a test of Petro’s ability to lead a regional diplomacy effort while balancing security and dialog.The relationship between Bogotá and Washington appears steadier, but observers warn the path ahead remains fragile as armed groups and state actors respond to growing cooperation.
The broader implication is a shift toward a blended approach that pairs diplomatic dialogue with security cooperation to address cross-border militancy. For the ELN, the prospect of coordinated action may constrain operations but could also provoke a hardening of tactics if escalation unfolds.
On Venezuela, Petro’s mediation offer and colombia’s stance on Maduro’s interim status could influence Caracas’ strategy amid domestic pressures and international scrutiny. The situation remains fluid, with regional observers watching how Washington and Bogotá manage pressure alongside dialogue.
What does this signal for regional stability? The trend hints at more synchronized efforts on border security, humanitarian concerns, and political dialogue. It also raises questions about sovereignty, legitimacy, and how spillovers from border tensions will be handled.
Share your take: should Colombia broaden its mediator role in regional disputes,and what safeguards would you propose to prevent escalation if joint actions intensify?
Disclaimer: This report reflects official briefings and statements. For broader context on the ELN and the Venezuela crisis, consult reputable international coverage from sources such as Reuters, BBC, and the Associated Press.
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