Colombia's De la Espriella escalates war on ELN, accuses leaders of hiding in Venezuela

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has intensified military operations against the ELN, extending the conflict into border areas and accusing ELN leaders of sheltering in Venezuela. This marks an escalation in the government's stance, potentially straining bilateral relations with Venezuela. The claim of ELN presence in Venezuela is unverified and likely to be disputed by Caracas.