Brief
Colombia creates Urano task force to curb ELN fuel theft
The new Urano force will combine army, navy, air force and police units to protect a key fuel pipeline and combat rebel and drug‑gang activity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Colombia’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated the Urano joint task force on Monday in Valledupar, saying its chief aim is to stop the National Liberation Army (ELN) from siphoning gasoline and diesel from the pipeline that runs from the Caribbean coast to the Barrancabermeja refinery. De la Espriella accused the ELN of using stolen fuel to produce cocaine, power illegal mines and fund terrorist operations. The task force brings together army, navy, air force and police personnel, reviving a strategy of joint forces that helped defeat FARC rebels before the 2016 peace deal. He added that the government will no longer negotiate with rebel groups, emphasizing a hard‑line security approach.
Key facts
- President Abelardo de la Espriella launched the Urano task force on 2026-10-06. (independent.co.uk)
- Urano will protect the pipeline from the Caribbean coast to Barrancabermeja. (independent.co.uk)
- The ELN is accused of stealing fuel to support cocaine production and illegal mining. (independent.co.uk)
- The task force combines army, navy, air force and police units. (independent.co.uk)
- De la Espriella said there will be no negotiations with terrorism. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Colombia launches joint task force to protect pipeline and fight ELN rebels”
