Colombia’s President Says Attack On Army Base ‘Practically Ends’ Peace Talks With ELN Rebels

An attack on a military base in eastern Colombia killed two soldiers and injured at least 21, Colombia’s military said on Tuesday, as tensions escalate between Colombia’s government and one of the nation’s largest remaining rebel groups.

Colombia’s military blamed the National Liberation Army for the attack, with President Gustavo Petro hinting late on Tuesday that the attack will lead to a suspension, or a cancellation of peace talks with the rebel group.

“This is an attack that practically closes a peace process, with blood,” Petro said during a ceremony, in which he named a new judge to one of Colombia’s highest courts.

The National Liberation Army, or ELN, ended a cease-fire with the Colombian government in August, but is still involved in peace talks aimed at ending more than five decades of conflict.

Read more: AP