Colombia woke up on high alert after the National Government announced a broad deployment of Public Forces following the announcement of a 72-hour armed strike by the National Liberation Army (ELN).

The measure, confirmed by the Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, seeks to counteract the threats launched by that illegal group, which called on the population not to travel on roads and rivers during the announced period.

According to the head of the Defense portfolio, units of the Army, the Police and special forces were deployed preventively in strategic corridors, rural areas and urban centers, with the aim of guaranteeing mobility, citizen security and the normal development of activities during the end of year season.

“We are using all the capabilities of the State to neutralize this criminal threat”assured the minister.

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The armed strike, announced by the ELN through a statement, would begin on Sunday morning and would extend until the middle of next week. In the message, the guerrilla group argues its actions as a supposed protest against international scenarios, although the Government described the measure as an act of constraint and terrorism against the civilian population.

The Ministry of Defense also reiterated the validity of million-dollar rewards for information that allows locating the top leaders of the ELN, including alias “Pablito”, considered one of the most wanted men of that illegal armed organization.

Minister Sánchez made a direct call to the communities not to give in to fear and to collaborate with the authorities through official reporting channels.

“This group lives off drug trafficking and intends to sow terror. The Public Force will be present on roads, rivers, jungles and cities to protect Colombians”he pointed out.

The authorities confirmed that the security device will remain active throughout the announced period and that controls will be reinforced on national roads, transport terminals and areas historically affected by the presence of the ELN. Meanwhile, intelligence agencies continue to monitor possible violent actions associated with this announcement.

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