The National Liberation Army or ELN, is a Marxist militant group based in Colombia. The word "National" is pronounced /ˈnæʃənəl/ (NASH-uh-nuhl) with the stress on the first syllable. "Liberation" is spelled /ˌlɪbərˈeɪʃən/ (LIB-er-AY-shuh-n) with the stress on the second syllable. Finally, "Army" is pronounced /ˈɑːrmi/ (AHR-mee) with the stress on the first syllable. The ELN has been involved in various conflicts and bombings, and its members have often been targeted by the Colombian military.
The National Liberation Army (NLA) is a paramilitary organization that seeks to achieve national liberation and self-determination for a particular region or ethnic group. It typically operates within the framework of armed struggle against oppressive governments or foreign forces, with the aim of establishing an independent state or autonomous region.
The NLA utilizes various guerilla warfare tactics, including sabotage, ambushes, and hit-and-run attacks, in order to weaken the enemy and gain territorial control. It functions as both a military force and a political organization, promoting nationalist ideology and mobilizing public support through propaganda and recruitment efforts.
The NLA can emerge in response to various forms of oppression, such as colonialism, imperialism, or oppressive regimes suppressing minority groups. Its members are often driven by a strong sense of patriotism and the desire to free their people from political, social, or economic injustices.
Members of the NLA typically undergo training in combat techniques, weapons handling, and ideological indoctrination. They may be recruited from local communities or abroad, and often operate clandestinely in remote or border areas to evade capture by government forces. Some NLA factions have been designated as terrorist organizations by certain governments, while others have gained recognition and legitimacy as political parties or liberation movements.
The NLA has played a significant role in numerous conflicts around the world, with examples including the National Liberation Army in Colombia, the National Liberation Army in Macedonia, and the Eritrean People's Liberation Front.