The Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a left-wing insurgent group, reached an agreement on Thursday to recommence their peace negotiations, which have experienced intermittent progress. The discussions took place in Venezuela, marking a significant step towards reviving the dialogue that had been previously halted.

In a joint statement, both parties confirmed that peace negotiations would be relaunched from November 19 to 25. This announcement follows a two-month hiatus after President Gustavo Petro suspended talks in response to an ELN attack on a military base, resulting in the tragic deaths of three soldiers and injuries to 28 others. The ELN remains the largest armed group still operational in Colombia, having continued its activities even after the government successfully negotiated a peace deal with the larger FARC Marxist rebel group in 2017. The peace agreement with FARC ended over five decades of conflict, but some factions splintered, refusing to disarm, alongside the ongoing threat from the ELN.

Following several days of dialogue in Caracas, the ELN reiterated its commitment to peace in a statement shared on the social media platform X. The group proposed a “new negotiating model” aimed at ensuring both parties adhere to any agreements reached during the negotiations. This innovative approach suggests a shift toward more structured compliance measures in the ongoing peace process.

Last week, Petro’s office cited Vera Grabe, the president’s chief negotiator, indicating that reactivating a ceasefire would be part of the upcoming agenda. The ELN had previously chosen not to extend a ceasefire that was in effect since 2023, further complicating the security situation in Colombia.

President Petro has made it a priority since his election in 2022 as Colombia’s first left-wing president to address the conflict with various armed groups, including the ELN. As the country navigates the complex landscape of insurgency and efforts for peace, the upcoming negotiations offer a crucial opportunity to advance the dialogue and potentially foster lasting stability in the region.

In a significant escalation of violence in Pakistan’s northwest, the military reported that four soldiers and five militants lost their lives in a clash in the South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, was described in a military statement released on Thursday, highlighting the intensity of the exchange that resulted in both military and militant casualties.

The military’s statement praised the soldiers, referring to them as “brave sons of soil” who fought gallantly and “embraced Shahadat” or martyrdom during the confrontation. The clash marks another troubling chapter in the ongoing struggle against militant factions operating in the region.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his “grief and sorrow” over the deaths of the soldiers, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in Pakistan. In a statement from his office, he declared that the country’s fight against terrorists would persist “until the complete elimination of terrorism from the country.”

This latest encounter underscores the precarious security situation in Pakistan, particularly in the wake of a recent spike in violence attributed to various militant groups. Just last month, ten police officers were killed in an assault on a security checkpoint, an attack that was claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the domestic Taliban faction.

Since 2021, the security environment in Pakistan has deteriorated, with a notable resurgence in militant violence across its western regions. This uptick in violence has been closely linked to the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, prompting Islamabad to accuse the Taliban regime of failing to eliminate militant groups that use Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. The ongoing skirmishes highlight the fragile and volatile nature of security in the region, as both the military and government continue to grapple with the challenges posed by militant insurgencies.

Israel Secures $5.2 Billion F-15 Fighter Jet Deal with Boeing Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israel’s defense ministry announced on Thursday a significant agreement with Boeing to procure 25 next-generation F-15 fighter jets in a deal valued at $5.2 billion. The purchase will be financed through U.S. military aid. The contract also includes an option for an additional 25 aircraft, with deliveries anticipated to commence in 2031, at a rate of four to six jets per year.

According to the defense ministry, the new F-15IA jets will be outfitted with advanced weapon systems, incorporating cutting-edge Israeli technologies. The updated aircraft are expected to offer enhanced range, increased payload capacity, and improved performance across a variety of operational scenarios.

Eyal Zamir, director-general of the defense ministry, highlighted that since the onset of the conflict with Hamas, Israel has secured arms purchase agreements totaling nearly $40 billion. He emphasized the country’s dual focus on immediate military needs while also strategically investing in long-term capabilities.

“This F-15 squadron, alongside the third F-35 squadron procured earlier this year, represents a historic enhancement of our air power and strategic reach — capabilities that proved crucial during the current war,” Zamir stated.

The announcement comes during a period of heightened military activity, with Israel’s air force conducting multiple operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon since the unprecedented attack by Hamas in October of the previous year. The Israeli military also launched retaliatory strikes against Iran following missile attacks directed at Israel in late October.

In a related development, Israel recently received a new package of U.S. military aid valued at $8.7 billion at the end of September, further supporting its defense capabilities during these turbulent times.

Zelensky Asserts Concessions to Russia Are "Unacceptable" at European Summit

Budapest, Hungary — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed European leaders on Thursday at a summit in Hungary, declaring it "unacceptable" for Europe to consider making concessions to the Kremlin in a bid to halt Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His comments come amid increasing pressure from some European leaders advocating for a more appeasing stance towards President Vladimir Putin’s government.

During his remarks, Zelensky criticized those urging Ukraine to yield to Putin’s demands, asserting that such concessions would only embolden the Russian president and lead to further aggression. "There has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some concessions … It’s unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for all Europe," he stated emphatically.

Zelensky directly accused certain unnamed European leaders of "strongly" advocating for negotiations that would involve significant concessions to Russia—a stance he firmly opposed. "We need sufficient weapons, not support in talks. Hugs with Putin won’t help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse," he remarked, calling for an immediate increase in Western military support for Ukraine.

The summit was hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been a vocal critic of Western nations’ extensive financial backing of Ukraine.

In addition, Zelensky expressed concern over the potential impact of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, imploring European and American allies to maintain their strong connections in the wake of Trump’s presidency. "We do hope that America will become stronger. This is the kind of America that Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs. This is the connection between allies that must be valued and cannot be lost,” he noted.

He went on to highlight the dire situation in Ukraine, declaring that North Korea is effectively "waging war" on Europe by sending soldiers to assist Russia’s military efforts. "North Korea is now, in effect, waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are attempting to kill our people on European soil," he warned, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing conflict and the necessity for continued international support.

Zelensky’s comments reflect growing concerns about the evolving dynamics of support for Ukraine and the geopolitical implications of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.

Ethiopia Investigates Killings in Oromia Region Amid Ongoing Violence from Armed Rebels

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) announced on Thursday that it is conducting an investigation into the brutal killings of 48 individuals in the Oromia region, attributing the tragic incident to armed rebels from the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). This ambush, labeled as a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian government, took place last week in the North Shewa district, located to the west of the capital.

Among those killed in the attack were a district official and several other local residents. Ato Badassa, the regional head of the EHRC, described the current situation in Oromia as "very volatile," emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation. He noted that additional individuals have also been reported as kidnapped, although the commission has not disclosed the exact number.

Oromia, the most populous region in Ethiopia, has been engulfed in an insurgency led by the OLA since 2018. Despite ongoing peace talks, significant progress remains elusive, and the region continues to experience significant unrest fueled by political divisions, land disputes, and ethnic tensions.

The OLA has been accused by the government of perpetrating massacres against civilians, a claim the rebels deny. Conversely, the authorities are criticized for their heavy-handed tactics, which have exacerbated resentment among the Oromo people. Reports indicate that while the OLA’s numbers have reportedly increased since 2018, observers believe the group lacks the organization and weaponry necessary to pose a substantial threat to the Ethiopian government.

Despite the end of the intense two-year conflict in the northern region of Tigray in November 2022, Ethiopia remains plagued by a myriad of conflicts, including ongoing violence in the Amhara region. The actions taken by the Ethiopian authorities and the response from the OLA continue to shape the complex and volatile landscape of the nation as it grapples with its myriad challenges.