Colombia's Petro says ELN attack 'practically' ends peace talks

FILE PHOTO: Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during an event to announce the approval of a law called "No mas Ole" (No more Ole), that prohibits bullfighting, in Bogota, Colombia July 22, 2024. REUTERS/Nathalia Angarita/File Photo

BOGOTA (Reuters) - An attack with explosives by Colombian leftist rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN), which left more than two dozen troops injured and two dead, has "practically" ended peace talks, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro said on Tuesday.

The attack, which took place on Tuesday and is the most serious since a bilateral ceasefire between the government and the ELN ended in August, occurred in a rural area of Colombia's Arauca province, which sits on the border with Venezuela.