President Petro threatens military action against ELN in Venezuela if peace talks fail

Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened joint military operations with Venezuela against the ELN if the group rejects peace and remains in Venezuela. Petro stated that the ELN's continued presence in Venezuela and refusal to abandon illicit economies and child recruitment would trigger military action. This ultimatum follows the breakdown of peace talks due to ELN violence. The ELN, estimated to have 6,450 members, has proposed a national accord. Intelligence suggests a significant portion of the group operates across the Colombia-Venezuela border, with much of its leadership in Venezuela.