Colombia suspends ceasefire with FARC dissident group

Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called off a ceasefire with a dissident faction that split from the armed Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group after the 2016 peace agreement.

The group had broken away from FARC when the original guerrilla organization disarmed under a landmark deal that ended five decades of armed conflict. Despite the peace pact, several dissident and newly formed armed groups continue to operate across the country.

The truce between the government and the dissident faction officially expired earlier this week. Although both sides were expected to renew the agreement, negotiations failed to produce a timely extension.

In a statement, Petro announced he would not prolong the temporary bilateral ceasefire, citing concerns for civilian safety. However, he clarified that peace talks with the group would continue.

Both the government and the armed faction now have 72 hours to relocate to designated zones to establish their own security arrangements.

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