ELN ceasefire is interrupted by shooting in Fortul

The start of the ELN ceasefire was marred by an impressive shooting in Fortul, Arauca. On the night of July 5, an armed harassment was reported in the municipality, specifically against the local police station in the border area with Venezuela. This attack, presumably perpetrated by the ELN insurgent group, came as a surprise despite the announcement of the cessation of hostilities against the Public Force.

According to a statement issued by the Fortul Police Station, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the uniformed men were subjected to rifle bursts for about 10 minutes. However, thanks to the activation of the unit's Defense Plan, they managed to repel the armed attack. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities among the police, but it is being verified if any civilian was affected during the raid, in which firearms and explosive devices were used.

One of the most shocking videos circulating on social networks is that of a gym security camera, where you can see how the people present threw themselves to the ground to protect themselves from the shots in the area. A minor is even heard panicking, since the armed attack occurred while she was recording one of the women who was exercising.

This incident adds to the complicated public order situation in Arauca, where the kidnapping of a non-commissioned officer of the National Army and her two minor children was confirmed. Sergeant Gihislaine Karina Ramírez Chitiva and her two children, ages six and eight, one of them with autism, were kidnapped while traveling by car to the municipality of Arauca. The military authorities are investigating the facts and his whereabouts are unknown to date.

The situation in Arauca continues to be challenging and it is expected that the authorities will take the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the population and find the whereabouts of those responsible for these violent acts.