Colombia ELN Conflict Map 2026: Live Tracker

Conflict Location

Intelligence Summary

◆ By ConflictZone Intelligence Desk · AI-assisted, editorially reviewed · How we verify →

HIGH

Severity

Insurgency

Type

10

Headlines (48h)

1h

Last Updated

Current Status

According to recent reporting, peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) remain stalled, with sources indicating renewed fighting in multiple departments.

Situation 2026

Reuters and AP report that peace talks between Colombian government and ELN have stalled without sustained agreement on ceasefire implementation
Multiple Tier 2 sources indicate renewed armed clashes reported in several Colombian departments, though specific locations and casualty figures require verification from primary sources
According to regional reporting, criminal drug trafficking organizations continue operations in conflict zones, fueling parallel violence distinct from insurgent activity
Government statements indicate attempts to resume negotiations, though timeline and conditions remain contested per available reporting
Unconfirmed reports via local sources suggest displacement of civilians in active conflict zones, pending verification from UN or ICRC

Background

The ELN insurgency has operated since 1964, making it one of Colombia's longest-running armed conflicts with estimated cumulative casualties exceeding 200,000. Peace negotiations have occurred intermittently over recent years, but progress has been interrupted by cycles of violence and disagreement over ceasefire terms. Criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking have compounded the violence in conflict-affected regions.

Humanitarian Impact

ICRC and UN agencies reportedly document ongoing protection concerns for civilians caught between armed actors, though current displacement figures require updated verification
Regional NGOs indicate limited humanitarian access in active conflict departments, though comprehensive current assessments are not available in recent Tier 1-2 reporting

Outlook

Absent verified breakthroughs in peace negotiations, sources suggest the conflict may continue cycling between talks and renewed violence. Criminal organization involvement complicates resolution prospects, as noted in regional analysis.

Key Actors

Colombian GovernmentNational Liberation Army (ELN)Criminal drug trafficking organizationsICRCUN agencies

◆ FREE ACCOUNT

Track Colombia – ELN Conflict and 65+ conflicts — free

Create a free account to save this conflict, get AI intel briefs every week, and set escalation alerts. No credit card.

Create free account →

Latest Headlines

Mozambique: Government Denies Reports of Fuel Shortage

AllAfrica · 6h ago

Extended Victoria Park lantern show attracts thousands for National Day

SCMP World · 8h ago

Hong Kong celebrates National Day with dazzling fireworks extravaganza

SCMP World · 11h ago

Elon Musk returns to US government for Pentagon war study

SCMP World · 11h ago

Days after Xi-Trump summit, the US marks China’s National Day with pared-down note

SCMP World · 11h ago

National Day: Hongkongers visit Shenzhen for shopping and 60cm egg tarts

SCMP World · 11h ago

‘It’s utter surrealism’: Venezuela’s Chavistas lament government’s embrace of Trump

The Guardian · 12h ago

Hong Kong’s National Day perks draw locals, surprise tourists

SCMP World · 13h ago

Fully booked but half-empty: more than 1,200 no-shows at Po Pin Chau on National Day

SCMP World · 13h ago

Hong Kong marks National Day with fireworks, discounts as Lee hails city’s global role

SCMP World · 17h ago

Full headline archive — every report we've logged →

Conflict Timeline

1964-07-04

ELN Founded

The National Liberation Army (ELN) was established as a Marxist guerrilla group inspired by the Cuban Revolution. It emerged from radical Catholic and communist movements in Colombia.

1973-12-19

First Major Operations

ELN conducted kidnapping and attacks on oil infrastructure, establishing itself as a significant armed group. The group focused on extortion and sabotage to fund operations.

1986-07-25

Segovia Massacre

ELN launched attacks in Segovia, Antioquia, killing dozens and capturing national attention. The incident highlighted the group's capability to execute coordinated military operations.

2000-05-30

Failed Peace Summit

Colombian government and ELN attempted peace negotiations in Switzerland, but talks collapsed over fundamental disagreements. The conflict continued with renewed violence.

2008-07-02

Operation Jaque

Colombian military rescued 15 hostages held by ELN and FARC, including former candidate Ingrid Betancourt. The operation significantly damaged ELN's public image and military capabilities.

2016-03-16

Peace Talks Resume

ELN and Colombian government began formal peace negotiations in Quito, Ecuador, following FARC peace agreement. Talks aimed to end the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere.

2017-10-03

Unilateral Ceasefire

ELN declared a unilateral ceasefire for peace talks, though government remained skeptical of compliance. The ceasefire was frequently broken and reinstated multiple times.

2023-11-25

Ceasefire Breakdown

ELN suspended ceasefire, accusing government of bad faith negotiations and military operations. Fighting resumed in multiple regions, hindering peace progress significantly.

2024-06-15

Renewed Negotiations

Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro resumed peace talks with ELN in Venezuela. Current status shows ongoing negotiations with periodic violence interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a war in Colombia right now?

Yes — the Colombia – ELN Conflict is an active conflict currently rated HIGH severity by ConflictZone. According to recent reporting, peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) remain stalled, with sources indicating renewed fighting in multiple departments.

Who is fighting in Colombia?

The main parties are Colombian Government vs National Liberation Army (ELN). According to recent reporting, peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) remain stalled, with sources indicating renewed fighting in multiple departments.

Why did the Colombia – ELN Conflict start?

The ELN insurgency has operated since 1964, making it one of Colombia's longest-running armed conflicts with estimated cumulative casualties exceeding 200,000. Peace negotiations have occurred intermittently over recent years, but progress has been interrupted by cycles of violence and disagreement over ceasefire terms. Criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking have compounded the violence in conflict-affected regions.

What is happening in Colombia today?

• Reuters and AP report that peace talks between Colombian government and ELN have stalled without sustained agreement on ceasefire implementation • Multiple Tier 2 sources indicate renewed armed clashes reported in several Colombian departments, though specific locations and casualty figures require verification from primary sources • According to regional reporting, criminal drug trafficking organizations continue operations in conflict zones, fueling parallel violence distinct from insurgent activity • Government statements indicate attempts to resume negotiations, though timeline and conditions remain contested per available reporting • Unconfirmed reports via local sources suggest displacement of civilians in active conflict zones, pending verification from UN or ICRC

How many people have died in the Colombia – ELN Conflict?

• ICRC and UN agencies reportedly document ongoing protection concerns for civilians caught between armed actors, though current displacement figures require updated verification • Regional NGOs indicate limited humanitarian access in active conflict departments, though comprehensive current assessments are not available in recent Tier 1-2 reporting

Is Colombia safe to visit in 2026?

ConflictZone rates the Colombia – ELN Conflict as HIGH severity. Conditions in an active conflict can change quickly — check your government's current travel advisory before travelling, and see the live map for the latest reported incident locations.

What happens next in the Colombia – ELN Conflict?

Absent verified breakthroughs in peace negotiations, sources suggest the conflict may continue cycling between talks and renewed violence. Criminal organization involvement complicates resolution prospects, as noted in regional analysis.

Related Conflicts

⚡ FREE ALERT

Get notified when Colombia – ELN Conflict escalates

Drop your email and we'll alert you the moment this conflict's status changes. No account needed, unsubscribe anytime.

Track Colombia – ELN Conflict in Real Time

Get AI-powered intelligence briefs, escalation alerts, and live news from verified sources — updated every 5 minutes.

Open Live Map →