Colombia earthquake sparks civil war fears and threats of 'insurrection'

Antonio Scancariello Mon, August 10, 2026 at 10:43 PM UTC

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The National Liberation Army (ELN) is calling on the Colombian people to protest. (Image: Getty)

A far-left organization in Colombia has issued threats of an uprising following Monday's massive earthquake in the nation.

Through a series of statements posted on its website, the left-wing National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla organization is calling on the Colombian people to participate in a "protest" and "insurrection" against the current administration under Abelardo de la Espriella, the conservative president who took office on Friday.

De la Espriella is recognized for his aggressive stance toward illegal armed organizations operating within the country, having previously stated they must surrender or be designated "military targets."

However, these organizations, according to The Guardian, "have gathered strength and resources in recent years," with "the ELN has about 6,300 members between armed fighters and unarmed support."

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The new president, who has received backing from Donald Trump, has also committed to addressing Colombia's ongoing violence by departing from former president Gustavo Petro's strategy of negotiating with armed organizations, contending that the peace initiative has been unsuccessful, reports the Express.

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Glaeldys González, an analyst with the International Crisis Group for the Andes, stated: "His [De la Espriella's] rise to power will reinforce this rightward shift across much of Latin America and consolidate a regional bloc of conservative governments against a dwindling number of left-wing administrations."

De la Espriella also stated that his government intends to align Colombia with the "Shield of the Americas," a regional coalition combating drug trafficking that was established during the summit convened by Mr. Trump in March.

He further revealed plans to restore diplomatic ties with Israel while cutting relations with Cuba and Nicaragua, nations he regards as "tyrannies."

Adding to the country's mounting tensions, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia this afternoon (August 10). The tremor was centered five kilometres east of San Jose del Palmar, but its effects were felt across multiple cities, including Medellin, where buildings were evacuated according to social media reports.

The death toll currently stands at 70.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”