The ELN threatened Abelardo's government after the military offensive against the guerrilla

The historic campaign of the Colombian State to regain territorial control against the scourge of criminal organizations is advancing steadily, unleashing desperation within the ranks of the self-proclaimed National Liberation Army (ELN).

The right-wing government led by President Abelardo de la Espriella has prioritized deepening the fight against narcoterrorism, delivering hard blows in the regions where this far-left group still seeks to maintain influence.

This overwhelming military pressure has forced the leaders of this criminal organization, one of the oldest in Colombia, to emerge from their hideouts to question the successful advance of the state offensive and issue direct warnings against the democratic government in an attempt to halt the siege on their illegal corridors.

In this context of encirclement, the guerrilla leader identified as Silvana Guerrero, commander of the self-proclaimed Northeastern War Front of the ELN, reappeared in hiding.

Through a propaganda piece recorded in an area identified as the "Mountains of the Northeast", the criminal issued direct threats against the National Army and the State, highlighting the profound impact caused by the latest government military action against her organization on the southern border of the country.

In the video, the leader appears armed with an M4-pattern carbine, surrounded by guards displaying heavy war weaponry such as Type 56-1 rifles and AK-103s, in a crude attempt to project a firepower that crumbles before the superiority of public force.

From her refuge, Silvana Guerrero made the following ideological statements to justify her criminal actions in the face of the legitimate Government's offensive:

“The war we live today is motivated by this close bond of traitors with their executioners. History, sooner or later, has given us the reason for the real nature of the old front 33, turned into a mercenary group. Like 20 years ago, today we fight against a combined force of the Army and paramilitaries. As back then, today we fight proudly and with dignity for the liberation of our land. Not one step back, liberation or death”.

This cynical discourse of liberation contrasts with the reality of her terrorist actions, characterized by treacherous attacks against those who protect citizens. On the night of August 15, 2026, a cowardly attack was recorded in the municipality of Ábrego, located in the department of Norte de Santander.

There, the Carlos Armando Cacua Guerrero Front of the ELN carried out a terrorist attack using drones equipped with explosive charges against the 7th Light Cavalry Group.

The terrorists launched more than nine explosive devices against the troops conducting security tasks on a main road, also managing to hit an armored vehicle that was designated for the protection of civilians.

As a result of this vile action, the assassination of professional soldier Neiver Madera Ricardo, a hero of the homeland, was confirmed, and it was reported that another five soldiers were injured.

In the face of the barbarity and threats from the leader, the response from the Colombian president was one of absolute firmness, reaffirming that the rule of law will not negotiate with murderers.

Through his official account on the X platform, President Abelardo de la Espriella strongly condemned the attack and stated that “This attack against our heroes will cost the narcoterrorists of the ELN dearly”.

In a message filled with authority, the Colombian head of state reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to eradicating violence: “The order to the public force is clear: without respite and with determination, we must eradicate that cancer. My solidarity with the victims and their families”.

The presidential directive has been explicit for the public force: to carry out massive offensive operations without hesitation in the areas of influence of the criminal group, focusing especially on the border departments of Norte de Santander, Putumayo, and Nariño, where the ELN profits from its illegal activities and besieges the civilian population