Colombia's largest rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), has announced its decision to halt attacks on the country's military forces, ABC News noted.

This move marks a significant step toward a potential ceasefire with the government, which could ultimately contribute to the cessation of a five-decade-long conflict.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ELN's Central Command instructed its units nationwide to refrain from engaging in offensive actions against the military starting from July 6, including espionage activities.

This development showcases the group's commitment to de-escalating hostilities and engaging in a peaceful resolution.

However, the ELN clarified that its fighters would maintain the right to defend themselves by using their weapons if they come under attack from the military or other armed groups operating in Colombia's rural regions.

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Colombia, ELN Rebels Agreed to Ceasefire in June

The recent decision by the ELN rebels to halt offensive military actions against the Colombia armed forces and police is a result of ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the guerrilla group, Reuters reports.

These negotiations aim to bring an end to the country's protracted internal conflict, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least 450,000 people over nearly 60 years.

In a statement published on the ELN's website on Tuesday, the group announced that starting from July 6 until August 3, 2023, all offensive military actions, including intelligence efforts, would cease across the entire national territory.

This agreement was reached during the peace negotiations conducted in June, reflecting a significant step towards achieving a lasting resolution.

The Colombia government, through its high peace commissioner, Danilo Rueda, confirmed the development and stated that President Gustavo Petro would issue explicit and specific orders to the armed forces in line with this commitment.

The upcoming full ceasefire, scheduled to commence on August 3 and last for six months, represents the most concrete progress made in the ongoing peace talks, which began in November.

The Ceasefire Between Colombia and ELN Group

The recently agreed six-month ceasefire aims to facilitate ongoing peace talks that commenced at the end of last year and are projected to continue until at least 2025.

Its purpose is to create a conducive environment for dialogue and negotiations between the Colombian government and the ELN rebels, per AP.

The ELN had experienced significant growth since 2017 when it took control of territories previously occupied by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) following the FARC's peace agreement with the government.

The FARC was historically the largest guerrilla army in Colombia. Presently, the ELN is estimated to have approximately 4,000 active fighters, primarily operating in the Choco region of Colombia, as well as along the borders with Venezuela and Ecuador.

Unfortunately, as the ELN and other armed groups, such as the Gulf Clan, fight for control of territories, the situation has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people from their homes.

Humanitarian organizations have recently raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of this conflict, with many individuals and communities being forced to flee due to the violence and instability.

Highlighting the magnitude of the issue, a United Nations report published in June revealed that Colombia recorded 214,000 internally displaced people in 2022.

READ MORE: Colombia Wiretapping Scandal 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Colombia and ELN rebel group sign ceasefire agreement - From Al Jazeera English