Colombia’s oil problem

How violence against Colombia’s oil infrastructure is impacting the economy and endangering environmental ecosystems

Intelligence Update:

Cenit, a subsidiary of the Ecopetrol Group that transports hydrocarbon has suspended oil pumping operations following an incident where unknown individuals attacked a section of the 773-kilometrtes Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline with explosives on 13 July 2025 in the eastern part of the country. While no casualties or injuries were reported, the attack caused spillage near the rural Agua Santa village in Arauca department which prompted the company to activate emergency and contingency plan to mitigate any environmental risks. Military personnel were deployed and established a cordon in the area. The incident follows one in June 2025 where criminals damaged a section of the same pipeline in the same village of Agua Santa.

Timeline of incidents targeting Cenit’s critical infrastructure:

Cenit reported that it has recorded 20 attacks targeting its oil infrastructure (both Cano Limon-Covenas and Bicentenario pipelines) since the start of the year. However, the company did provide additional context regarding these attacks. On 15 January 2025, the same Cano Limon-Covenas pipeline was attacked in the La Selva area of Norte de Santander department. Not only has the Cano Limon-Covenas pipeline been targeted multiple times. Criminal groups have also vandalised the Bicentenario pipeline multiple times up until this July, and these go as far back as 2020. Data statistics from last year (eight attacks between January and August 2024), when compared to this year shows that the frequency of these attacks went up by around 150%. The criminals have also attacked government forces providing protecting these pipelines with grenade such an attack in Caño Verde on 19 May 2025. Cenit, on several occasions has been forced to shut down operations to manage the incidents.

Apart from these pipeline sabotage incidents, the company has also dealt with cases of abductions involving its contractors. Three days before the latest attack, the company reported that three of its workers were kidnapped by unknown individuals in Saravena and Palo de Agua in Fortul municipality of Arauca. Two of the workers were taken while in transit while the third incident occurred at a work site. All there were later released the following day, but details about their release were not provided.

Groups likely responsible for the attacks:

Although most of Cenit’s reports about these pipeline attacks do not attribute the incidents to any group in particular, instead they describe those behind as “unknown individuals” and use the phrase “terrorist attack” to label the act itself. However, media reports and Colombian armed forces suggest that major armed rebel groups, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) may be behind the attacks. Both groups have been involved in a prolonged dispute over land and resources control with the Colombian government. Part of their violent campaigns includes kidnappings, killings, alongside other criminal activities.

Assessment and Implications:

The recent incident has caused delays at the Covenas offshore terminal, a major export hub, with reports suggesting that some crude oil tankers/vessels are affected due to a halt on oil supply to the port. Cano Limon-Covenas is one of the pipelines that transports crude oil from oil fields near the border with Venezuela to the terminal. The ships It remains unclear whether these delays are still ongoing. These attacks have not only disrupted supply chain operations for oil and gas companies, but the environmental impact is severe. Water bodies near these pipelines have been contaminated by oil spills, even though the company has implemented contingency plans to manage these leaks. Local communities and businesses that depend on these waterways are suffering as a result.

The recurring nature of these attacks demonstrate the criminals deliberate intention to frustrate the government and target one of the country’s main sources of revenue. Additional data from the Ministry of Defence which reported 32 oil pipeline explosions in 2024, reinforcing the idea that Colombia's oil infrastructure is under threat. Back in 2014, it was reported that Colombia lost around US$ 521 million in profits from similar attacks in the oil and gas sector. In the past, Cenit has shut down for up to two months due to such incidents and this directly affected the country’s oil production. As a result, the government struggled to meet its target of 1,027,000 barrels per day.

Most importantly, targeting of oil companies by these groups may be seen as an easier method to secure funding for their operations. The high costs associated with fixing the damage caused by attacks may lead some oil companies to consider negotiating with these criminals. This approach aligns with the tactics of rebel groups, such as extortion, to make money by pressuring companies to pay to avoid further attacks.