In the wake of a series of attacks on the Cano Limon oil pipeline in Columbia, at 780 km in length the country's second largest, by a relatively small rebel group emulating the tactics of the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), operator Occidental Petroleum Corporation is gradually suspending oil production in the country,

National Liberation Army (ELN), a Marxist rebel group, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, already 17 this year in eastern Columbia, where the group is especially active. "At the moment 44 of 370 wells are reported shut down, storage capacity is at its peak," a senior military official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.

ELN rebels initiated peace talks with the Colombian government on Feb. 7.

The government is asking the rebels to stop the bombing so that production can ensue, as the whole country they say benefits when production can be resumed.