Colombia Ends Cease-Fire With FARC-EMC Faction Amid Rising Violence

Colombia's government has ended a cease-fire with FARC-EMC's largest faction. The Defense Minister announced the decision due to escalating violence. The cease-fire will continue with the smaller faction. This signals a shift in Colombia's policy as President Petro seeks to manage peace talks and military offensives simultaneously.

Colombia's government announced on Tuesday the termination of a cease-fire with the FARC-EMC's main faction, a rebel group that refused to sign a 2016 peace deal. This decision comes as violence escalates, affecting peace negotiations with President Gustavo Petro's administration.

Defense Minister Iván Velásquez revealed that the FARC-EMC had split into two factions. While the cease-fire with the smaller faction will be extended for three months, the government plans military offensives against the larger faction, which has been in conflict with Colombia's military since March.

The move represents a significant shift in Colombia's peace strategy. Despite Petro's 'total peace' policy aimed at negotiating with rebel groups, increasing violence and territorial disputes over illegal activities have posed ongoing challenges.