Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Monday he would declare a state of emergency in the country's northeast following guerrilla attacks that have killed dozens of people and forced thousands to flee their homes. More than 80 people have been killed in the country's northeast after recent attempts at peace talks with the National Liberation Army failed.
In a post on X, Petro said he would declare a state of emergency, which enables the executive branch to pass certain types of legislation without congressional approval, for three months. The measure would take effect after the decree but could be invalidated by Colombia's Constitutional Court.
In the early 2000s, the administration of then-President Álvaro Uribe used internal chaos orders to increase funding for the military through a special war tax. According to Colombia's constitution, this emergency measure cannot be used to suspend Congress or abolish civil rights. I hope the judicial system will support us.
Earlier on Monday, Petro warned that his country's military would take offensive action against the National Liberation Army after the rebels, known as the ELN, launched a wave of attacks in Colombia's Catatumbo region that have killed at least 80 people.
More than 80 people have been killed in the northeastern region of Colombia after attempts to hold peace talks with the rebel group National Liberation Army failed. Most of the people killed in the attacks were in North Santander. According to the governor of the region, William Villamizar, 20 others were injured. According to the government report, the casualties include community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven people who wanted to sign a peace agreement.
