The attack perpetrated in Anorí leaves, so far, five soldiers dead and five injured, including a civilian. Photo: Courtesy
The governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona, described as “heartless” the attack perpetrated by ELN on the Former Territorial Spaces for Training and Reintegration (AETCR) inhabited by signatories of the Peace Agreement of the extinct FARC and which, until now, leaves five soldiers dead and at least five wounded, including a civilian.
“It is a heartless attack on behalf of the ELN that we know commits crimes in that area of the department in connivance of the Central General Staff (…) And there is a paradox; who intend to negotiate with the Government by attacking peace signatories who have negotiated and honored their word with the National Government in other contexts,” he said.
The dead soldiers are Fabián José Regino Mora, Iván Darío Reina Carabalí, Carlos Andrés Ramos Martínez, Yoiser David Redondo Arias and the second corporal, Fredys David Robles Romero, who were guarding the site known as La Plancha’ in Anorí, where some peace signers.
For Rendón, terrorist attacks like these show that the guerrillas are not committed to the opportunity that the government of President Gustavo Petro is giving them with the negotiations that are being carried out, which is why, he insisted, the ceasefire should be reconsidered and allow The Armed Forces fulfill their duty to attack criminals.
“I don’t know how many more things have to happen in Antioquia and in the rest of the country for the Government to understand that the so-called ‘total peace’ is a failure and that the only thing that is needed, to impose peace, is to release the hands to the public force, equip it, equip it well, lead it so that it produces strong results against crime,” he added.
Was the attack directed at former FARC combatants?
The National Army does not rule out that the terrorist attack, attributed to the Darío Ramírez Castro War Front of the ELN, was directed against the ex-combatants of the extinct FARC who signed the 2016 Peace Agreement.
“The troops were guarding and safeguarding the lives of former guerrillas in the process of reintegration in the former Territorial Training and Reintegration Space,” they indicated in a press release and assured that it was carried out with improvised explosive devices prohibited by International Humanitarian Law.
“We will file the corresponding criminal complaints against this flagrant violation of Human Rights and violations of International Humanitarian Law,” they added.
The Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, for his part, ordered a forceful offensive against these criminal organizations that attack the Colombian Armed Forces and the communities. “Whoever wants war will have to be persecuted by our Public Force,” he said.
2024-11-21 19:51:00
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How does Governor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona address the contradiction between the ELN’s peace negotiations and their attacks on former combatants?
**Interview with Governor Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona on the Recent Attack in Anorí**
**Host:** Good evening, everyone. Today we have a very solemn topic to discuss. I’m joined by the Governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón Cardona, to talk about the tragic attack in Anorí, which resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to several others, including a civilian. Governor, thank you for being here.
**Governor Rendón:** Thank you for having me, although I wish it were under better circumstances.
**Host:** The attack has been described as “heartless.” Can you share your thoughts on what this means for the community and the ongoing peace efforts in the region?
**Governor Rendón:** Absolutely. This attack, carried out by the ELN, underscores the ongoing violence that plagues our department. It’s particularly tragic because it occurred in a zone intended for peace, the AETCR, where former FARC members are meant to reintegrate into society. The violence not only disrupts the local community but also sends a chilling message to those who are genuinely attempting to honor the peace agreements.
**Host:** You mentioned the paradox of attacking peace signatories while negotiating with the government. Could you elaborate on this?
**Governor Rendón:** Yes, it’s a significant contradiction. The ELN claims to seek a dialog with the government, yet they target those who have already taken the brave step to engage in peace. This shows a lack of commitment to genuine negotiations and a disregard for lives and peace in our region.
**Host:** The fallen soldiers are remembered as heroes. Can you tell us more about them?
**Governor Rendón:** The soldiers—Fabián José Regino Mora, Iván Darío Reina Carabalí, Carlos Andrés Ramos Martínez, Yoiser David Redondo Arias, and Second Corporal Fredys David Robles Romero—were actively protecting a site crucial for peace and safety. Their sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers our security forces face daily in this ongoing struggle for peace.
**Host:** What do you believe should be the next steps for both the government and the community in response to this attack?
**Governor Rendón:** The government must reinforce its commitment to protecting both former combatants and the local populace. We need to enhance security in these vulnerable areas. Additionally, dialog within communities about peace must be prioritized to ensure that the voices advocating for peace are louder than those instigating violence.
**Host:** Thank you, Governor Rendón, for sharing your insights. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased soldiers and all those affected by this tragedy.
**Governor Rendón:** Thank you for highlighting this important issue. We must continue advocating for peace and stand against violence in all forms.
