section_path: Attacks/March
section_name: March
paragraph_text: March
  
  On March 1, three bodies, pistols and a gas cylinder were discovered in Tibú, Norte de Santander. The victims were identified as two civilians and an ELN member. Also on March 1, the Colombian Army announced that an ELN flag was set up in Saravena, Arauca Department, and when security forces tried to take it down, an explosive device detonated. No casualties or damage were reported.
  
  On 3 March 3, ELN handed over 22 hostages to the humanitarian commission after keeping them in custody for 45 days. Also on 3 March, ELN conducted a drone attack in Teorama killing a soldier.
  
  On 6 March, the national government appointed Brigadier General Mario Contreras as military commander for the Catatumbo region.
  
  On 7 March, ElN conducted a drone attack in Tibú killing a soldier and wounding three more and in another attack in Convención at the same time, a soldier was injured by an ELN sniper.
  
  On 10 March, ELN attacked the National Army in the Miraflores area of La Playa de Belén killing 1 soldier, five civilians were also killed in Ocaña, the same day.